Which wineries change their label designs every year?
Which Wineries Change Their Label Designs Every Year?
Hey there! As someone who loves red wine, I really enjoy studying these little details about wineries, especially label designs. To answer your question about which wineries change their labels annually—this isn’t super common in the wine world. Most stick to consistent labels to maintain brand identity. But a few creative ones, especially big names in Bordeaux, do switch things up. I’ll keep it simple and avoid getting too technical while sharing what I know about these "label-changing" wineries.
1. Château Mouton Rothschild
- This is the most famous example! As one of Bordeaux’s five First Growths, Mouton has invited different artists to design its labels every year since 1945. Big names like Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol have contributed, turning each vintage’s label into a work of art that reflects the year’s theme or artistic style.
- Why? It’s said to celebrate the fusion of harvest and art, and it’s now their signature tradition. If you collect Mouton wines, you’ll notice every bottle has a unique label—making them highly collectible. Price-wise? Definitely not cheap; their grand vin starts at thousands of RMB per bottle.
- For example: The 2013 label by Lee Ufan is minimalist and modern, while the 2020 design by Xu Zhen features strong Chinese elements.
2. Other Occasional or Less Consistent Wineries
- Honestly, very few change labels strictly every year—Mouton is the standout. Some, like Château Margaux, occasionally update labels for special vintages (e.g., to commemorate milestones), but not annually.
- Others, like Spain’s Vega Sicilia Unico or Italy’s top estates, might tweak designs sporadically, but it’s not a fixed annual practice. Outside Bordeaux, Australia’s Penfolds Grange sometimes releases special editions, but again, not consistently.
- For New World options: Chile’s Clos Apalta or California’s Opus One occasionally experiment, but they’re far less systematic than Mouton.
In short, if you want a bottle with a new label every year, Mouton is the go-to. It’s not just wine—it’s like collecting art. When buying, pay attention to the vintage; both the wine’s quality and the label’s story vary by year. If you’re just starting out, I’d suggest trying entry-level Bordeaux reds first before splurging. Feel free to ask more questions—I love chatting about this stuff! 🍷