If you are an Austrian winery selling wine in the EU, e-labels are no longer optional. Since December 8, 2023, EU Regulation 2021/2117 requires wines produced or labeled after that date to provide nutritional and ingredient information. For most wineries, the practical solution is a digital e-label accessible via QR code.
Here is everything you need to know as an Austrian winemaker in 2026.
What the regulation requires
EU Regulation 2021/2117 mandates that all wines sold in the EU must declare:
- Ingredients list. All ingredients used in winemaking, including fining agents and additives.
- Nutritional values. Energy value (in kJ and kcal), and optionally fat, saturates, carbohydrates, sugars, protein, and salt.
- Allergens. Sulfites, milk-based products, egg-based products where applicable.
This information must be available in the language of the country where the wine is sold. If you sell in Germany, France, and Italy, the information must be available in German, French, and Italian.
How e-labels solve the language problem
Printing nutritional information in every EU language on a physical label is impractical. This is where e-labels come in. A QR code on the bottle links to a digital page that can automatically display the information in the consumer's language.
This is the approach the EU explicitly allows, and it is the most practical solution for wineries exporting to multiple EU markets.
What Austrian wineries should know specifically
Austrian wine categories
Austrian wine law defines specific categories (Qualitätswein, Kabinett, Prädikatswein, DAC, etc.) that may affect labeling requirements. Your e-label solution should understand these categories and display them correctly.
Regional wine associations
Many Austrian wineries are part of regional associations (Vinea Wachau, Steirischer Wein, Burgenland, etc.). Some associations offer group solutions, while others leave it to individual wineries. Check with your association whether they have a preferred solution or group pricing.
"Spritzer" and mixed products
Austrian specialties like "Spritzer" (wine-based beverages with at least 50% wine content) also fall under the labeling requirements. Make sure your e-label tool supports these product categories.
When evaluating e-label solutions, Austrian wineries should consider:
- Language support. Can the tool automatically translate your e-labels into all EU languages? If you export to Italy, Croatia, or Germany, this is essential.
- Longevity guarantee. Wines can be on the market for years. Your e-labels must remain accessible for at least as long. Look for providers that offer a wine-long guarantee.
- Design options. Your e-label represents your brand digitally. A custom-designed e-label creates a better impression than a generic template.
- Pricing model. Per-label pricing can get expensive as your portfolio grows. Flat-rate pricing offers predictability.
- Data sovereignty. Make sure you own your data and can export or migrate it if needed.
We covered these factors in detail in our 5 Factors Guide for Choosing the Right E-Label Tool.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need e-labels for wines already in circulation?
Wines produced and labeled before December 8, 2023 are exempt. But any wine bottled or labeled after that date must comply.
You can, but consider the long-term implications. Free tools may not guarantee availability for the entire lifecycle of your wine. Read our analysis of why free e-labels may cost more in the long run.
What happens if I do not comply?
Non-compliance can result in your wines being flagged during market surveillance. In practice, enforcement varies by EU member state, but the risk increases as authorities implement systematic checks.
Can I switch providers later?
Yes. If your QR codes use a URL shortener, you can redirect them to a new provider without reprinting. We wrote a complete guide to switching providers.
Get started
As an Austrian winery, you have several options. We recommend evaluating your needs against the 5 factors guide and considering a provider that offers custom design, flat-rate pricing, and a longevity guarantee.
Glasswise is based in Austria and built specifically for wineries like yours. Start your free trial to see how it works with your wines.
