Tips for Removing Wine Labels for Collection Purposes

Bring 3 cups (710 mL) of water to a boil in a kettle. A wine bottle typically holds around 3 cups (710 mL) of liquid, so this quantity of water is suitable for each bottle from which you wish to remove the label. Pour the boiling water into the kettle and let it reach a rolling boil.

• If boiling water in a saucepan, pouring it into the bottle later will be more challenging.

Pour the boiling water directly into the wine bottle. Position the wine bottle upright in the sink. Use an oven glove on one hand to stabilize the bottle. If your kettle has a narrow spout, carefully pour the boiling water directly into the bottle. Otherwise, utilize a funnel to facilitate the water flow into the bottleneck.

• Ensure you avoid splashing yourself or the label while pouring water into the bottle.

Allow the adhesive to dissolve for approximately 5 to 10 minutes. Leave the bottle standing in the sink for a few minutes. Let the boiling water work its magic, gradually melting the adhesive on the label from the inside out over the course of 5 to 10 minutes.

Drain the hot water from the wine bottle. Put on a pair of oven gloves. After letting the water sit in the bottle for a few minutes, grasp the bottle carefully and pour out the hot water into the sink. Exercise caution as the glass will be hot.

• If needed, use a towel to catch any drips from the glass or label.

Use the edge of a utility knife to peel off the label from the bottle. Once the water has been emptied, use one hand to stabilize the bottle. With the other hand, gently slide the edge of a utility knife or razor blade under a corner of the label. Once lifted, carefully remove the rest of the label.

• This method is advantageous as it doesn't require wetting the label. It's ideal for preserving special labels that you want to avoid damaging.
• Exercise caution as the glass may still be hot.

Preheat your oven to 350 °F (177 °C). Once your wine bottle is empty, you can heat it in the oven to loosen the adhesive. Ensure the oven is empty, then set it to 350 °F (177 °C).

• Before preheating, test if the bottle stays in place without rolling.

Place the uncorked bottle in the oven for 10 minutes. Lay the bottle flat on the center rack, ensuring it remains stable. Position the desired label facing upward. Allow about 10 minutes for the adhesive behind the label to soften.

• If needed, use a glass casserole dish to secure the bottle.

Use oven gloves to transfer the bottle onto a cooling rack. After 10 minutes, wear oven gloves on both hands and carefully remove the bottle from the oven. Exercise caution as it will be hot! Set it on a cooling rack to prevent surface damage.

Peel the label off the bottle using a utility knife. Gently slide a utility knife or razor blade beneath a corner of the label. Then, slowly peel the label off the glass, using the knife to remove any stubborn adhesive patches.

• Apply even pressure while peeling to avoid tearing the label.
• If the label remains stuck, let the bottle cool to room temperature and try another method later.

Allow the adhesive to air-dry or affix the sticky label to paper. Since the melted adhesive will be tacky, you can let it air-dry or attach it to another surface. For drying, place the label face-down on parchment paper overnight.

• To preserve it in a book or on paper, apply it while sticky and press down the edges to secure.

Boil a large pot of water. Fill a sizable stockpot with water, heating it on high until it reaches a rolling boil. Allow 15 to 20 minutes for the water to achieve this state.

• If you have a two-piece pasta pot, use the base for water. The bottle can sit in the colander part.

Expose the bottle to steam for at least 30 minutes. With oven gloves on, hold the empty, uncorked bottle above the boiling water. Ensure the label doesn't touch the water. Rotate the bottle regularly to expose all parts of the label to the steam.

• Maintain a steady simmer or rolling boil to generate consistent steam.
• The steam gently loosens the adhesive on many wine labels.
• If using a two-piece pasta pot, lower the colander into the base and stand the bottle inside.
• If not using a colander, manually hold the bottle over the steam to avoid getting it wet.

Remove the label using a utility knife and oven gloves. Since the bottle will be hot from the steam, wear oven gloves. Use a utility knife or razor blade to lift a corner of the label. If it resists, steam the bottle for another 10 to 15 minutes. Once loosened, peel off the entire label slowly.

• With softened adhesive, the label should come off easily in one piece.

Allow the label to air-dry on parchment paper. If the label is slightly damp from the steam, let it air-dry overnight on parchment paper with the adhesive side up. This allows the glue to harden while the front of the label dries.

• This method is ideal for labels you don't want to submerge in water.

Prepare a pot with hot water. Boil enough water to fill a large pot about two-thirds full. Ensure the water level is sufficient to fully immerse the wine label once the bottle is placed inside.

• While tap water can be used, boiling water tends to be more effective.

Place the empty, uncorked bottle into the hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. Stand the bottle upright in the pot of hot water, ensuring the top of the label is submerged. Allow it to soak for approximately 10 to 15 minutes.

• For enhanced effectiveness, consider using a specialized chlorinated soap available from wine stores, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Remove the bottle from the hot water and dry it. Wear rubber kitchen gloves for a better grip and protection from the heat. Exercise caution while lifting the hot bottle. Dry the exterior of the bottle using a towel.

Peel off the moist label using a utility knife. Once the bottle is dry, carefully insert the edge of a utility knife under one corner of the label. Gradually peel off the label once it begins to loosen. Proceed slowly to prevent tearing.

• The adhesive will have softened during the hot water soak, facilitating preservation of the label in one piece.
• Avoid rubbing or scratching the damp paper to prevent damage.

Let the label air-dry overnight. Place the damp label face-down on parchment paper if you want the adhesive to dry. Alternatively, affix it to a sheet of regular paper with the glue-side down for mounting or preservation in a journal. Leave it to air-dry overnight.

• If the label curls while drying, flatten it by pressing it between the pages of a heavy book once fully dry.

Fill the empty, uncorked wine bottle with about 3 cups (710 mL) of boiling water from a kettle. Allow 5–10 minutes for the heat to melt the label’s adhesive. Then, empty the hot water and gently peel off the label from the bottle in one piece using a utility knife.

• Don’t hesitate to ask a waiter if you can take your empty bottle home. They may be pleased to learn about your label collection.
• Some labels may not come off the bottle intact. If you encounter difficulty, take a photo of the wine and add it to your label collection.

• Never heat a bottle filled with wine as it can damage the wine and lead to glass breakage.
• While products designed for removing residue, soap, and abrasive brushes can effectively remove labels, they typically damage the label. It's best to avoid using these if you intend to preserve your wine label.
• These methods should only be attempted by adults due to the need for careful handling of the utility blade and hot glass bottle.