The next “non-required” item to cover on our list is the use of what are called vineyard designations on wine labels. This is when an actual existing vineyard site/property is named on a label, such as the Rosenblum example here. It lists Monte Rosso Vineyard as the “vineyard designate” of this wine. The TTB requirements for the use of these is a minimum of 95% of the wine’s blend being sourced from fruit grown on that specific site.

The site must also be specifically named that on official vineyard maps for it, and identified as that site in all the record keeping paperwork activities tracking the wine throughout its “life”. Vineyard designate wines are not to be confused with my second label sample here from Dry Creek Vineyard, which is the actual winery AND brand name in this case.

As you view this label you will also see that Dry Creek also shows up as the appellation designation for this wine. Dry Creek Valley is an AVA. (see earlier post on this topic) In general from a marketing standpoint wineries often use vineyard designates on their labels because they too will imply a certain higher quality level to the wine. Consumers who really pay attention may also begin to notice certain vineyard names appearing on multiple winery’s labels, and thus use that information in their buying decisions.