Partnering with a private label wine company can be a game-changer for your brand, offering the opportunity to showcase exclusive products tailored specifically for your customers, all without setting foot in a vineyard. In this guide, we’ll share some of the key considerations for businesses looking to find the best private label wine partner. From understanding the nuances of customization and quality to exploring the benefits of a turnkey solution, we guide you through the process of selecting the ideal private label or white label wine business for your brand. 

‍

White Label vs. Private Label Wine

A white label wine business refers to a situation where a company or individual purchases wine from a winery or wine producer and then sells it under their own brand name. In this arrangement, the buyer (wine business) essentially rebrands the wine as their own, often designing their own labels and packaging, without being involved in the actual winemaking process. With white label wine, a brand might receive a generic product that other brands may or may not also be using.

Private label wine, on the other hand, refers to an arrangement between a retailer, restaurant, or individual and a winery or wine producer to create a unique and exclusive wine product that is exclusively sold under the retailer's or individual's own brand name. In the context of private label wine, there is often a higher degree of customization and collaboration compared to the white label arrangement.

Depending on the company and product you choose, white label wine can oftentimes be more cost-effective than private label wine, at least at the start. However, you may receive more personalized and dedicated service from a private label wine business compared to a white label business,  ultimately, it all depends on the partner you choose.

‍

What to Look for in a Private Label or White Label Partner

When considering a white label or private label wine business, there are several factors to take into account to ensure a successful and mutually beneficial partnership. 

Quality of Wine

Make sure the wines they offer meet your brand’s standards. The taste and quality of the wine will directly impact customer satisfaction and repeat business. If the private label or white label producer allows you to sample the wine before making a purchase, that’s a good sign their products are of good quality–but be sure to taste them before deciding!

Customization Options

For private label arrangements, inquire about the level of customization available. This includes the ability to influence grape selection, winemaking techniques, and blending to create a product that aligns with your brand and customer preferences.

Reliability and Consistency

Consider the track record of the winery or producer in terms of consistency in quality and reliability in meeting production and delivery timelines. Consistency is crucial for maintaining a reliable and steady supply of your private label wines. Check reviews and seek the opinions of other brands in the industry if possible.

Flexibility in Packaging and Labeling

Many private label wine companies offer packaging services as part of their program. Evaluate the flexibility in designing labels and packaging for your wine brand. The ability to create a unique and attractive label that aligns with your brand is essential for marketing and branding purposes.

Cost Structure

Understand the pricing structure, including production costs, minimum order quantities, and any additional fees. Ensure that the cost allows for a competitive retail price while maintaining desired profit margins.

Regulatory Compliance

Verify that the producer complies with all relevant regulatory requirements for labeling, licensing, and distribution. Compliance is crucial to avoid legal issues and ensure the smooth flow of your business operations.

Distribution Support

Inquire about the producer's distribution capabilities. Private label wine businesses that also offer distribution services are extremely convenient for small brands that might not have the resources to widely distribute their products. 

Reputation and References

Research the reputation of the wine producer. Look for reviews, testimonials, or references from other businesses that have engaged in white label or private label arrangements with the same producer.

Long-Term Relationship

Consider the potential for a long-term partnership. Establishing a stable relationship with a reliable producer can contribute to the success and growth of your private label wine business over time.

Market Trends and Consumer Preferences

Stay informed about market trends and consumer preferences. Ensure that the wines offered align with current market demands and have the potential to appeal to a wide variety of audiences.

Learn More: 13 Steps to Starting a Private Label Wine Business

Top 10 White Label and Private Label Wine Companies

Ready to launch your private label wine brand? Check out these ten incredible businesses that can help get your brand off the ground with their exceptional private label and white label programs.

1. One Vine Wines

One Vine Wines offers a unique opportunity for businesses to choose between either custom private label or white label wine for the products they have carefully and thoughtfully sourced. One Vine Wines also takes care of label design, product compliance, and distribution so brands can focus on running their business. One Vine has an easy-to-use portal for clients to easily order products, track orders, and browse new products, a revolutionary tool for the wine industry. Their prices are extremely competitive, making them a private label company you don’t want to overlook.

2. Summerland Wine Brands

Located in Buellton, CA, Summerland Wine Brands aims to help brands spread the love for California wines. Summerland Wine Brands is run by brilliant and experienced winemakers who are dedicated to creating quality products for their clients. SWB also has a passion for great customer service and sustainability, making them an excellent partner for eco-conscious brands looking for a strong client-vendor relationship.

3. Michael-Scott Wines

Michael-Scott Winery is a distinguished player in the private label wine business, offering a comprehensive one-stop-shop experience from production to fulfillment. With an impressive track record spanning over 25 years, this bonded Napa winery has earned a reputation for excellence, boasting award-winning brands and standing as the best private label wine producer in California. Michael-Scott Winery provides a diverse selection of Napa, Sonoma, and Coastal wines, ensuring a wide range of options for clients. Beyond the exceptional product quality, the winery extends support through license assistance, label design and printing services, quantity discounts, and the convenience of export availability. With warehousing and fulfillment services, Michael-Scott Winery goes above and beyond, assisting clients at every step of the way, making them a trusted partner for those seeking a seamless and successful private label wine venture.

4. Rack & Riddle

Rack & Riddle has emerged as a premier sparkling wine producer with an unwavering commitment to excellence. Over the years, the company has grown to become the leading custom sparkling wine producer in the United States, boasting a substantial capacity of 3.5 million cases. Supported by an exceptional winemaking team and cutting-edge technology, Rack & Riddle offers comprehensive grape-to-bottle, base-to-bottle, and private label sparkling wine services, perfect for small wine businesses looking to expand their product offerings.

5. Premier Wine Brokers

Premier Wine Brokers offers a diverse array of wines sourced from some of the finest suppliers in Napa Valley and Northern California. PWB is one of the fastest growing private label wine businesses in the industry, but this does not stop them from upholding stringent quality standards and remaining a reliable, trustworthy private label partner. PWB is an excellent choice for brands who plan to export their products beyond the U.S.

6. Mountain View Wines

Renowned for crafting hundreds of exclusive labels, Mountain View Wines has been a trusted partner for hotels, restaurants, retailers, and wine clubs across the globe. Their private label program enables businesses to increase margins, boost consumer loyalty, offer unique products, and establish a strong brand identity. Mountain View Wines delivers a consistent quality product, exceptional value, cost-efficient label solutions, as well as prompt, reliable service, making them a go-to choice for businesses seeking a strategic partner dedicated to enhancing their brand and bottom line.

7. Owl Ridge Wine Services

Owl Ridge Wine Services is a reliable partner for brands seeking to offer award-winning wines at an affordable price. With a commitment to quality, Owl Ridge Wine Services utilizes its well-established network of suppliers to consistently deliver top-tier wines to their clients. With Owl Ridge’s private label program, clients can use their own labels or choose from the company’s pre-made designs for convenience. The company caters to both large and small lots, allowing businesses to be flexible with their orders.

8. KDM Global Partners

At KDM, every wine program is meticulously tailored to the unique needs of each client, showcasing their commitment to personalized service. KDM produces wines in the majority of the world's crucial viticulture regions, offering an extensive range of varietals and catering to all price points—from competitively-priced broad market selections to estate-quality niche products. Whether domestic or imported, KDM boasts low case minimums, and their process is designed to be turnkey, streamlining the experience for clients. Choosing KDM means choosing a partner dedicated to delivering exceptional wines with precision and flexibility.

9. Real Nice Winemakers

Real Nice Winemakers specializes in the development of compelling new wine brands designed to captivate customers and improve bottom lines. Real Nice Winemakers offer products unique in the private label wine industry, sourcing their products from the lush vineyards of Oregon to the renowned winemaking regions of Washington. Leveraging decades of experience in winemaking, grape sourcing, and brand development, they offer a turn-key private label wine solution. With industry expertise and low minimums, Real Nice Winemakers allows businesses to seamlessly create their own private label wine program.

10. Margerum Wine Company

Discover the ease of crafting your own wine brand with Margerum Wine Company's private label program. With access to a diverse range of price points and styles, you can enjoy high-quality wines at lower prices, allowing for greater profit margin and the opportunity to establish your unique brand. The program offers premium wines with low minimums (56 cases per SKU), making it accessible for businesses of various scales. Margerum Wine Company goes a step further by providing a high degree of customization, ensuring that each wine becomes uniquely yours. 

Uncork Success

Choosing the right private label wine business is a crucial step in creating a successful wine brand. We hope that, with this guide, you’re able to find the right partner for your business so you can bring your vision to life and connect with customers in a way you never thought possible.

Want to unlock even more potential? Consider adding a product locator to your website. The Grappos Product locator helps customers find your product near them and provides you with valuable data and insights to improve your business in a myriad of ways. Request a Grappos product locator demo today →

You might also like:

• 5 Most Effective Wine Marketing Trends in 2023 and Beyond
• 10 Top Wine E-Commerce Platforms
• 10 Best Wine Marketing Companies in the U.S.