23 Wines With The Most Eye-Catching Labels

Old-school wine snobs might mock people who choose wine based on the label. But it's not a terrible technique — particularly with wine producers paying closer attention to their labeling efforts in order to attract customers. Labels commissioned by artists have become increasingly prevalent within the wine industry, in fact, with natural wine purveyors most likely to have taken this philosophy to heart.

An artistically designed wine label doesn't solely help guide shoppers lost in a sea of bottles, though. It also provides businesses with the ability to simultaneously express a message and create a brand image. As a result, the potential positives appear to outweigh any concerns held by wine producers regarding the cost of an artistically designed label.

While you don't have to stop buying wine that lacks a certain aesthetic pizzazz, if you're looking to try something new, well ... why not make it fun? For anyone eager to select a visually dazzling bottle to place on their table — without sacrificing flavor — here's a list of our favorite wines with eye-catching labels.

With an eye displayed front and center, it's no surprise this quirky bottle caught our ... eye. Produced in Slovenia by Heaps Good Wine Co., Heaps Good Skin is a skin-contact wine containing two white grapes (furmint and pinot gris), and is made following red winemaking techniques.

Now, if you're unfamiliar with skin-contact wine or its production process, you may find the taste of Heaps Good Skin is just as unique as its label — but in a good way. The orange-tinged wine has a bit more structure and tannin than white wine, and you can enjoy this subtly spiced low-intervention wine with a plate of charcuterie or cheese.

Named after the German word for luck or happiness, Glück by Werlitsch is sure to bring you good feelings. The dazzling terracotta bottle has a clean minimalist design, with a cream-colored label that showcases a green tree sitting on top of the Earth. The image infuses a natural allure to the bottle's aesthetic, and the contents follow a similar vein.

This Austrian wine is produced from biodynamic grapes (namely chardonnay and sauvignon blanc). In other words, you can feel good about every sip of this holistically farmed product. Once you finish the last drop, use this gorgeous bottle as a centerpiece for your mantle, or display it elsewhere in your house with some dried flowers.

Sicilian producer Donnafugata tells a tale through its name, which refers to a story in local literature about a queen who escapes from Naples to the island — eventually settling on the terrain now home to the vineyards. This narrative is also the foundation for the brand's image of a woman fleeing, with hair blowing behind her.

Donnafugata's ever-evolving identity has been expressed in its labels, which feature designs by artist Stefano Vitale. La Bella Sedàra is one of many examples, with a label depicting a woman with eyes closed, while clouds and a small village scroll over her face. This smooth red is a winning blend of Nero d'Avola, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, and syrah, brimming with dark and red fruit, along with hints of spice.

The orb-like images on this label evoke eyes and fish, offering a hypnotizing scene for contemplative sipping. The magenta background is striking, too, providing a solid frame for the superimposed designs. Frankly, since Caleb Leisure Wines (located in California's Sierra Foothills) features other bodily organs and natural designs on its various bottlings, it's cemented itself as one of our go-to picks for eye-catching labels.

This bottle of Ab Ovo consists of mourvèdre and marsanne, which mimics the practice of blending red and white grapes common in France's Rhône Valley. Additionally, the winemaker prizes ancient Georgian techniques, and ferments and ages this wine partly in qvevri (an underground amphora). This aromatic wine displays herbaceous notes that are highlighted with a slight chill.

The concentric patterns in the design on Burn Cottage's Moonlight Race label are enough to catch anyone's eye. Look closely, and you'll notice there are tiny eyes hidden in the mandala-like image, too. More notable is the full moon front and center (surrounded by varying stages of the lunar cycle), which combines in a mesmerizing manner with the butterflies, crickets, and plants found in other rings.

Central Otago produces some of New Zealand's most prestigious pinot noir, and this is no exception. Made with grapes from three vineyards (including one named Luna), this wine is the perfect introduction to the region — though it will satisfy aficionados, as well. Fruity with hints of red and dark berries, every sip is smooth on the palate, with a delicate structure that pairs well with food.

Japanese grape wine might not be on your radar, but Grape Republic's lineup is sure to change that. The collection of clear bottles features vibrant labels and radiant wines, and frankly? It's hard to look away. Depicting a goose flying across what looks like a sky — one with gold clouds and a bright red sun on the horizon — this particular label reflects the deep color of the contents.

Anfora Rosso is made with two hybrid grapes well-suited to Japan's climate, along with merlot. The result is juicy and fresh, with red fruit notes present in every sip. Drink it lightly chilled at your next gathering, as it's sure to be the talk of any party thanks to the gorgeous label and its unexpected origins.

This black opaque ceramic bottle displays a poignant purple label with an eye featured in the center. A fractal-like design spirals around the middle, with geometrical designs that make the eye pop dramatically. Between the label and its name, Metamorphika, this wine is not lying low.

Organically farmed and produced in Spain by Costador Terroirs, this 100% garnatxa (or grenache) wine is the star of any table. Fermented and aged in clay amphorae, it develops a rich intensity with balanced tannins over time. Dark fruits and berries are present on the palate, with a notable earthiness to round it out — though you'll want to hold onto this bottle long after you finish the last drop.

If you feel like these bottles are focusing on you as you walk by them on the shelf? You're probably right. Per Jay Koen, the artist behind the Delinquente Wine Co. bottle labels, the depicted so-called delinquents are proud rebels. Tattooed, pierced, and staunchly free of societal norms, the six characters featured in this wine series tell riveting tales. Read their stories to see who you connect with the most (though you can't go wrong with any of them).

Produced in South Australia, these minimal intervention wines feature grape varieties most commonly associated with Italy. Here they take on a new personality that's well worth exploring, much like that of the delinquents displayed on the labels.

Reminiscent of colorful doodles a toddler might make with a box of crayons, this label is playful and fun. Interwoven lines in a multitude of colors come together in a knotty jumble against a plain white background, and the blood-orange colored wine is equally vivacious through the clear bottle.

With a name like Why Try So Hard, everything about this Australian wine is telling us to relax, chill out, and enjoy it with no pretense. The blend of both red and white grapes (sauvignon blanc, chenin blanc, arenis, and shiraz) is fruity with notes of tropical aromas. Serve it nicely chilled if you're looking for a burst of summer in your glass at any time of year.

There's nothing like a giant rose to make you feel connected with the beauty of the natural world. This bottle of electric rosé wine by Old World Winery in Sonoma Country expresses that essence thanks to the bold floral picture paired with the color of the wine. Named Bloom to further highlight the magic of this romantic flower, there's more to this wine than pretty looks.

Created with varying blends of red grapes depending on the year, the 2022 version includes pinot noir, abouriou, and pinotage. The winemakers recommend chilling the bottle before serving to fully savor the fruity aromatics. Naturally, once you finish the bottle, the only option is to add a rose.

The phrase "are you looking at me?" might come to mind when you see a bottle of Niepoort's Drink Me Nat Cool wine: Two angular eyes, with narrow eyebrows penciled in above, staring back from a plain white label.

Although the label art suggests an austere wine in the bottle, this Portuguese red is as light and fun as its name. Made with local baga grapes, the result is bright and aromatic with floral notes, red fruit, and spice on the palate. Chill it lightly (for a real 'cool' effect), and serve it with pretty much anything for a pleasant evening. The only stern eyes you'll have to deal with are on the label.