The hidden meanings in wine labels

Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast · Sep 14, 2026 · 19m

For a long time walking into a bottle shop to buy wine felt like walking into an exclusive club. Wine labels were printed on thick, expensive paper; their message was prestige. Nowadays, says wine writer Katie Spain, it feels more like walking into an art gallery, with an explosion of new brands featuring labels that are bold, colourful and quirky. And many of them contain hidden meanings and subtle messages. There are also a lot of left over labels going to waste, which Ms Spain is collecting to turn into an art work, the proceeds of which will go to supporting those struggling in the…