How to Create Your First Wine QR Code in 5 Minutes

Introduction

Got 5 minutes? Then you have enough time for EU-compliant wine labeling.

Many winemakers worry that creating e-labels with QR codes is complicated and time-consuming. The reality is different: with the right tools and good preparation, you can create your first legally compliant wine QR code in just a few minutes.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how it works – from account creation to print-ready QR code.

What You Need Before Starting

Before you begin, have the following information ready:

• Wine analysis from the lab – You need at least the alcohol content (vol%) and residual sugar (g/l). Total acidity is helpful but not strictly required.

• Complete list of ingredients – Note all substances used in winemaking: grape variety(ies), sulfites, any fining agents used (such as egg whites, casein, isinglass), grape must concentrate, etc.

• Computer or smartphone with internet – E-label creation works entirely browser-based; you don’t need to install any software.

• Your export markets – Which countries do you sell to? This information is needed for automatic translation.

Have you gathered this information? Then let’s get started.

Step 1: Create a Free Account

The first step is registering with an e-label provider. With nutri.codes, this is quick and straightforward:

1. Go to app.nutri.codes/register
2. Enter your email address
3. Choose a secure password
4. Confirm your email address via the link sent to you

You can start immediately with the free tier and test the features.

Time required: 2 minutes

Step 2: Add Your First Wine Product

After logging in, create your first wine product:

1. Click “Create New Product”
2. Enter your wine’s name (e.g., “Riesling Kabinett 2024”)
3. Select the product category “Wine”
4. Optionally add an internal reference number (e.g., article number or lot number)

The product is created and you can now enter the details.

Time required: 1 minute

Step 3: Automatically Calculate Nutritional Values

Here’s where it gets interesting: instead of applying complicated EU formulas yourself, let the nutritional values be calculated automatically.

1. Enter the alcohol content (e.g., 12.5 vol%)
2. Enter the residual sugar (e.g., 8.0 g/l)
3. Optional: Enter the total acidity (e.g., 6.5 g/l)

The system automatically calculates:

• Energy value (kJ and kcal per 100ml)
• Carbohydrates (including sugar)
• All other nutritional values

The calculation follows the official EU calculation method for wine. You immediately receive a complete nutritional table that meets all legal requirements.

Time required: 1 minute

Step 4: Compile the Ingredients List

The ingredient list must include all substances used in winemaking. In the e-label system, you simply select ingredients from a pre-made list:

1. Click “Add Ingredients”
2. Select the grape variety used (e.g., Riesling, Pinot Gris)
3. Add sulfites (present in virtually every wine)
4. Add any fining agents if applicable: egg white-lysozyme, milk proteins (casein), isinglass, etc.
5. Add any other ingredients if used: grape must concentrate, sucrose, tartaric acid, etc.

The ingredients are automatically displayed in the correct order (descending by weight) and allergens are highlighted.

Time required: 30 seconds

Step 5: Select Target Markets and Languages

For export, e-label information must be available in the national language. In the system, simply select your export countries:

1. Click “Target Markets”
2. Check all countries you sell to (e.g., Germany, Austria, Netherlands, France)
3. The system automatically activates the required languages

Translations are created automatically – you don’t need to worry about individual language versions. The e-label later detects the smartphone’s language setting and automatically shows the correct version.

Time required: 30 seconds

Step 6: Generate and Download QR Code

Now comes the exciting moment: your QR code is created.

1. Review all entered data in the preview
2. Click “Generate QR Code”
3. Download the QR code in your desired format:
   • PNG – suitable for most applications
   • SVG – for print shops and professional label design (losslessly scalable)
   • PDF – for simple integration into documents

The QR code is immediately active and can be tested.

Time required: 30 seconds

Step 7: Integrate QR Code into Label Design

You now have a print-ready QR code. Here’s how to integrate it into your label design:

Observe minimum size: The QR code should be at least 15mm x 15mm to be reliably scanned. Larger is better – 20mm x 20mm offers more reliability.

Placement: The QR code should be placed on a flat surface, not across edges or curved areas of the bottle.

Ensure contrast: Black code on white background offers the best readability. Colored variants are possible but should be tested.

Print quality: Inform your print shop about the requirements. The QR code must be printed sharply and with good contrast.

Step 8: Test the QR Code

Before printing larger quantities of labels, be sure to test:

1. Scan the code with different smartphones (iPhone and Android)
2. Check the display – Is all information displayed correctly?
3. Test the languages – Change your phone’s language setting and scan again
4. Check in poor light – Does the scan work in dim lighting?
5. Test after printing – Scan a printed prototype

Only release for production when all tests are successful.

Bonus: Updates Without Reprinting

A major advantage of the e-label solution: the QR code stays identical even when the underlying information changes.

Use cases:

• Correcting typos
• Adding new export markets and languages
• Updating for changed recipes
• Adapting to new legal requirements

Simply log into your account, make the changes, and the update is immediately live. Labels already printed with the QR code automatically display the updated information.

This saves time and money – no label reproduction, no disposal of old stock, no production pause.

FAQ

How much does it cost? nutri.codes offers various pricing models. You can start with a free tier and test the features. For larger product portfolios, there are scalable packages. Find all prices on our pricing page.

How long is the QR code valid? nutri.codes guarantees the availability of your e-labels for at least 10 years – as required by EU regulation. This guarantee is contractually fixed, so you don’t need to worry about your QR codes suddenly stopping to work.

Can I customize the design? The standard QR code is black and white and works most reliably. However, you can also create QR codes with your logo in the center or use colored variants – as long as functionality is maintained. Always test colored codes thoroughly before production.

What happens if I discover an error in the data? No problem – you can correct the data anytime in your account. The change takes effect immediately; the QR code itself remains identical. Already printed labels don’t need to be destroyed.

Does this work for sparkling wine too? Yes, nutri.codes supports all wine products: still wine, sparkling wine, semi-sparkling wine, fortified wine, and aromatized wine products. The nutritional calculation is optimized for all product categories.

Summary

Creating an EU-compliant wine QR code is easier than often feared. With the right preparation and a specialized tool like nutri.codes, you really can do it in 5 minutes:

1. Create account (2 min.)
2. Add wine product (1 min.)
3. Have nutritional values calculated (1 min.)
4. Compile ingredients (30 sec.)
5. Select languages (30 sec.)
6. Generate QR code (30 sec.)
7. Integrate into design
8. Test

Start now and create your first legally compliant wine QR code.

Ready to get started? Create your free account and try nutri.codes today.