OT: saving wine labels

[Missi]

I am getting more and more into wine after two classes at the community college and a honeymoon to Napa. I'd like to save some of the wine labels, especially from the bottles bought on our honeymoon. Does anybody know a method of removing these from the bottle? TIA

[Vanessa]

Hi Missi. Well one way we used was to fill the kitchen sink with water and then put the bottles in. The water loosens the glue used in the labels then they come off and I dried them in a counter on paper towels

[jd]

I do the same thing that Vanessa describes - it works well for most labels. I keep them in small photo album that has the clear pockets for the pictures.

[kwormann]

When DH wants to take something gluey off, he uses a hair dryer on it to losen the glue.

[gabbyh]

Has anyone tried the "label saver" removers? According to The Wine Enthusiast, "Quickly, easily removes most wine labels by actually splitting the label, then separating the front-printed surface from the adhesive back. You're left with a laminated memento..." I haven't had much luck with the "soaking method" so I thought maybe I'd buy a batch of these and try it!

[KValley]

I do the same as Vanessa, then paste the label into a notebook so I can also make notes on the page (what meal we ate with the wine, our reactions, how much we paid, a bit about that wine region) Haven't gone for those fancy wine journals- we just make out own.

Gabby, I haven't tried the label saver, but I'd like to- many labels dissolve in the water and we lose them! Thanks for the reminder :)

[Leanne]

Originally posted by gabbyh
Has anyone tried the "label saver" removers? According to The Wine Enthusiast, "Quickly, easily removes most wine labels by actually splitting the label, then separating the front-printed surface from the adhesive back. You're left with a laminated memento..." I haven't had much luck with the "soaking method" so I thought maybe I'd buy a batch of these and try it!

I have tried the label savers & it didn't work so well. We got most of the lable off, but not all. The label did separate, but then pulled at the front as well when we were about 2/3 of the way through the label. We haven't tried it since - but maybe our first effort was just flawed. I also haven't had luck with the soaking method - is there a trick to it?

[gabbyh]

Leanne,
Thanks for your response...now I don't know what to do...I think I'll still order a package of the savers, although $14.95 for 20 is a bit stiff...every time I tried to soak one...it dissolved or came apart...I read somewhere to add some vinegar to the water...my husband says it dissolves the glue...
I received a Wine Label Album & Tasting Record complete with monogram for my b'day last year...it remains empty...I'm getting tired of storing my empty wine bottles until I can get the labels off...so hopefully these tips will "inspire" me to make a move:cool:

[KValley]

Originally posted by Leanne


I have tried the label savers & it didn't work so well. We got most of the lable off, but not all. The label did separate, but then pulled at the front as well when we were about 2/3 of the way through the label. We haven't tried it since - but maybe our first effort was just flawed. I also haven't had luck with the soaking method - is there a trick to it?

Leanne- I use HOT HOT water and don't let it soak too long- the paper starts to break down, otherwise- just enough to soften the glue.

Some of the paper used is just so thin, it breaks down despite best efforts. I have the best success with European and Australian wines, for whatever reason.

Cheers, Julie

[Leanne]

gabbyh -
I always had the same soaking problem as you.
I think you can find the lables for cheaper than 14.95$ foor 20. I think I paid 4.95$ for 10 off some website. Good luck with it & let me know if it works for you!

[Missi]

Thanks for everyone's replies!!! I'm glad to see I'm not the only one faced with this problem. I think I will try the soaking method, and if that doesn't go very well, I will look into the label savers! Thanks again!!

[HARRYET]

Missi,

I've always had good luck taking labels of bottles by doing the following: I wet a paper towel w/hot water and lay/press it on the label (sometimes I have to repeat this) but the label will start to peel easily, and the label doesn't disintergrate in a sink full of water.

Good Luck, and let us know what works best for you.

Ann :)