What type of services does WineLabelApprovals.com provide?

In summary: Editing labels to be TTB compliant with COLAs Online, creating a pitch deck for Whole Foods (and super markets in the United States), designing a private label for Whole Foods Market, creating graphic assets in Adobe in Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator for wineries and wine importers, designing an IPhone wine list with linked QR code, and designing OCM promotional material.

a) We will complete the Label Approval Process at the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, TTB, on Your Behalf, And Function As Your Representative Between You And The TTB:

a) Wine label approval Services and COLAs E-Applications Completed Electronically Through COLAs Online.

1) Preparing the label images to be compliant with the TTB COLA web site. Converting the provided label images to RGB mode and jpgs. Using graphic programs, such as Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop, to shrink, resize, or crop images.

2) Reviewing text on the front and back labels to make sure the labels include all of the mandatory information: Classification and Type, ALC by VOL., GOVERNMENT WARNING, etc.

3) Filling out the Certificate of Label Approval (COLAs) Forms for each wine product, and then uploading the label images onto the TTB COLA web site.

4) Monitoring the status of each individual Certificate of Label Approval application online.


What type of services does WineLabelApprovals.com provide? running time: 43 seconds In this video, we describe the type of services WineLabelApprovals.com provides to wineries and importers.

5) If necessary, we will talk to a TTB reviewer on your behalf in order to get an approval.

6) If necessary, we will make the required changes if the TTB rejects your initial application and label.

7) Managing Your TTB COLA online account, keeping a record of password changes required every 90 days.

8) We will keep a history of your COLAs on file in print and electronic form.


We make sure your labels are compliant prior to sending them to COLAS online
b) Management of your Permits Online account

1) If an amendment needs to be filed to your Federal Basic Permit, such as deleting or adding trade names, or a new address need to be added, then I can go into your account and make these changes.

2) I will manage your Federal Basic Permit and COLAs online account information.

Why Should I Use WineLabelApprovals.com For My Wine Labels?

Time Saver.
It estimated that is takes 30 minutes to complete a Certificate of Label Approval application. We have the patience to wait on the phone to speak to a TTB label reviewer. Let us fill out the forms and wait on your behalf.

Why should I use WineLabelApprovals.com for my wine labels? running time: 45 seconds In this video, we explain why you should use WineLabelApprovals.com to process your wine labels at the TTB.

Up-to-Date on TTB COLA online portal
We are familiar with the TTB COLA online portal system, and the cryptic messages on rejected Certificate of Label Applications (COLAs). We are constantly reading the published TTB documentation online to stay current.

B) Pitch Deck for Supermarket Chains in the United States, pitching a wine portfolio to Whole Foods

In order to get into a super market chain in the United States, such as Whole Foods, a pitch deck is often required. This is a visually presentation done is Microsoft Power Point that highlights your wine portfolio. The purpose of the pitch deck is to sell your wines to prospective super markets, whether small or big. The pitch deck consists of your wine portfolio, tasting notes/food pairings, background information on the vineyards, and featurettes on the winemakers. The presentation explains how the winemakers are good stewards to the environment, and use “green” and environmentally-friendly practices in the development of their wines.

For Whole Foods, this is a key selling point. Whole Foods has strict guidelines, and a good background story for your wines is important as well as good price points. Like the TTB and the European Union. Whole Foods has their own strict guidelines. The proposed pitch deck will feature many pictures, and rich multimedia to appeal to the wine buyers and the comittee at Whole Foods.

At WineLabelApprovals.com, we have over 20 years of graphic design experience. We will carefully craft a professional pitch desk with text, pictures, and multimedia. The purpose of the presentation is to showcase your wine portfolio, wineries, and environmentally-conscious winemakers. By creating a visually appealing and compelling presentation, we will get your wines on the shelves in the Amazon-Whole Foods network.

If these sanctioned wines are sold at Whole Foods, then those wines are usually curated on individual Amazon product pages. When wines are approved for Whole Foods, they are distributed across the Amazon network of web sites. Known as the giant of ecommerce, Amazon continues to be a large influencial player in the grocery market, being able to sell wines via their physical front as Whole Foods, and their large digital counterpart as Amazon.

Whole Foods Market is a a subsidary of Amazon, the ubiquitous global ecommerce giant. Whole Foods and Amazon are a strategic partnership. When wines are sold at Whole Foods (or Amazon Fresh) at their physical stores as well as the digital frontier through Amazon.

According to Whole Foods Market Adult Beverage Product Development team, these are the guidelines for selling foods in the Amazon-Whole Foods network:

Our Whole Foods Market Adult Beverage Product Development & In-novation team has started an initiative to provide more transparency and sustainability in our Distinctive Label Wines. The initiative con-tains 4 key components:

1. Include ingredients labeled and printed on the back label. 2. Serving facts printed on the back label.
3. QR code that links to rich content to tell the story about the producers and product.
4. Bottle weights at or below 420g.

a) Ingredients & Serving Facts
i) Ingredients and Serving Facts will be printed on the back labels.
ii) All ingredients must meet our Quality Standards.
iii) Back label examples are attached.
iiii) All redesigns must be vetted and reviewed by our team prior to printing and production

b) QR Code Linking to Rich Content
i) Our goal is for customers to be able to access anything they may want to learn about the wine, history of producer, vineyards, etc… via the QR code at their fingertips. Ingredients and serving facts should also be included.
ii) This may require development by the supplier. In the near term this could be a link to an importer landing page with wine information.

c) Bottle Weight Reduction
i) We have a commitment to work with our suppliers to lower bottle weights to below 420g or lower. This will include still wines in 750ml bottles. Regional requirements for certain varietals may be exempt.



The Diflora Pinot Grigio label above includes the Whole Foods requirements on the label: QR code for additoinal information and rich media, average analysis per 5 fl oz, including calories, carbs, proteins, fats, and approved and compliant ingredients under Whole Foods guidelines.

Similiar to the TTB and the proposed European regulations, Whole Foods Market product approval begins with a label approval process. In order to be compliant with Amazon and Whole Foods, your wine labels need to include the following requirments above. To get your wine products approved, Whole Foods needs to review the back and front label to make sure labels adhere to the supermarket's health guidelines and environmental standards.

C) Private Label for Supermarkets, Creating A Private Label for Whole Foods Market

I have created numerous private labels with Luneau USA Inc, a small wine importer in Westport, Connecticut. The main client of Luneau USA is Whole Foods. To demonstrate quality for their in-store products, Whole Foods uses 365 value seal – “Every Day Products” - as their private label for juices, crackers, snacks, etc. Whole Foods carefully curates their private label, and stamps the 365 emblem on high quality products as their seal of approval.



Under Luneau USA Inc, the first private label with Whole Foods Market was 365 Paul Valmer Chardonnay and 365 Paul Valmer Merlot. The concept behind Paul Valmer was to supply affordable wines to Whole Foods, providing extra margins while offering high quality wines with the 365-quality seal. The 365 Diflora Pinot Grigio is another private label exclusive to Whole Foods



The 365 Diflora Chianti is another Italian brand extension under the Diflora brand, exclusive to Whole Foods Markets and the Amazon network.



Because of the volatile Euro exchange rate, the Paul Valmer Cabernet Sauvignon was originally made in California, and then Spain, and whatever was economical for the sourced wine and production.



Luneau USA started the Whole Foods 365 private label program years ago which now accounts for about 250,000 cases of wines yearly, including private and controlled labels from Portugal, Spain, and France, such as Bon Ami, meaning “Good Friend”.



Since the new Texas regulations, the 365 logo was dropped for Whole Foods Market alcoholic beverages. Under Luneau USA Inc, I designed Bon Ami, white and rose sparklers as Whole Foods exclusive private labels. I worked with the wine buyers of Whole Foods and the Amazon wine and drinks committee. The wine buyers wanted affordable, but high-quality sparkling wines for Amazon, and their network of Whole Foods stores. The Luneau USA marketing team worked closely with the wine buyers at Whole Foods in order to design these beautiful and decorative labels.



The creative process involved creating a series of art boards to show the wine buyers at Whole Foods. I was able to show them the creative direction, and receive their feedback and input about the overall design process. The product design process was very collaborative with the Whole Foods decision makers. The wine buyers decided the typeface, label shape, and colors. As a versatile designer, I was able to facilitate the design process, and ultimately create two successful wines for the Amazon network - the digital arm for selling wines - and Whole Foods Market physical stores.

If you want to create a private label, exclusive to Whole Foods, or any other super market, please contact me. Creating a private label involves WineLabelApprovals.com receiving a royalty for the final wine product sold, usually in bulk and mass produced for big supermarket chains like Whole Foods. If you are a wine importer with the logistics and distributors to serve the Whole Foods network of stores in the nation, then this project can be for you. Please be in mind that a royalty will be granted to WineLabelApprovals.com for each bottle or case sold. This would be determined by a copyright lawyer dealing with package design law.

The creative process with Whole Foods is lengthy – a lot of going back and forth – with ideas, so having patience and tenacity is key to succeeding with this project. Because this project will take a lot of time to complete, I will vet wine importers to see if they are a good fit for this project, and are fully committed to the business side, finding trustworthy suppliers in Europe, and the overall creative process for working with the Whole Foods wine buyers and Amazon committee. Also, the potential wine importer needs to be able to produce a large quantity under the environmentally strict requirements under Whole Foods. The potential client needs to meet the high inventory demands of the Amazon-Whole Foods Market distribution network. This project is not for the faint of heart.



Amazon plans on experimenting with 365 stores in the near future that only sell private label goods. The proposed 365 stores are simplified Whole Foods stores that are targeted to thrifty consumers whereas the regular Whole Foods stores are targeted to foodies and higher-income families. The 365 stores will only sell private label products that are often discounted. When a private wine label is approved, that product can be sold in a vast network of digital and physical stores, such as Amazon Fresh, 365 Every-Day Value stores, and Whole Foods Market.

Wine sales begins with good marketing. At WineLabelApprovals.com, we can design rating fact sheets and shelf talkers for your wines that score 90 or above.

D) Graphic Design Services: Fact Sheets, Shelf Talkers, and Brochures

a) Shelf Talkers to Promote Your Wines

i) I can create shelf talkers for your wine portfolio. With high ratings and accolades for your wine, often a shelf talker is necessary to promote your wines in retail stores. The shelf talker is displayed below your wine, usually displaying a score of 90+ of more.


These shelf talkers can be digital or printed assets. I design the shelf talkers in Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop. Each printed shelf talker features a sticky tab, so the shelf talker can be posted on the shelf. Hence, a shelf talker is in place of a “sales” person - who is not there in-person to talk about the benefits of the wine. The printed shelf talkers are printed in Stamford, Connecticut at Landmark Prints. For printed shelf talkers, 4,000 shelf talkers must be requested. This is the quantity threshold for printed shelf talkers. I have provided examples below.



b) Fact Sheet with Ratings and Accolades

I can design the fact sheets with ratings and accolades from the major publication: Ultimate Wine Challenge, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Spectator, James Suckling, and Decanter. Each fact sheet features reviewers and quotes from prominent wine tasters, and ratings seals with 90 or above.



These fact sheets are used as “tools” for your sales force to sell wine, either a winery or wine importer can use these fact sheets are valuable resources to handout to potential customers or distributors. These fact sheet can be a in a digital PDF format or a printed on premium glossy paper. I have provided examples of fact sheets with ratings and accolades below that I have done for Luneau USA.



c) Sales Sell Sheets and Customized Brochures for Individual Markets

I have designed numerous sales sell sheets and customized brochures for each market. The sell sheets feature customized pricing for each individual wine market. The brand manager for that particular market uses the sell sheet as a "sales tool." These sell sheets feature static text and pricing that cannot be changed.



For the general market, I can design a key-enter version of a sell sheet. I designed these sell sheets in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator. These sell sheets are designed, so brand managers can enter any price wihout having any high-end graphic software installed. The key-enter sell sheets can be opened in Adobe Reader, and edited with variable pricing.



Example of this would be the dual brochure I designed in Adobe Illustrator for the Metro New York City market. Each brochure features custom prices for each individual wine product.



I can design custom sales sell sheets and brochures for your sales team. These customized sell sheets and brochure are valuable tools for selling, and showcasing your wine portfolio to potential buyers. These can be printed on premium paper or formatted as a PDF booklet. Please see the examples I made for Luneau USA below.

E) Designing QR Code And Link To IPhone App With Interactive Wine List For Restaurants And Wine Bars

For busy restaurants and wine bars, having an updated wine list is crucial to business and sales. It is estimated that a majority of sales comes from alcoholic beverages, not food, at restaurants, and this fact should not be overlooked. Forget about having paper wine lists or flimsy laminated menus. Simply, put a QR on your main menu, and have it linked to a digital version of your wine list. In 2026, smart phones are ubiquitous and often used as an absolute necessity of modern life. With a simple scan of a QR code, your customers can be linked to an iPhone version of your wine list. With a smart phone app, you can add video and rich multimedia to appeal to potential customers. Your customized iPhone app can feature pictures, background information on the vineyard, winemaker profile, videos, and pricing information based glass size or bottle.

F) Designing Digital and Print Assets for Protected Italian Wines: OCM Promotional Material Backed by Funding from the European Union and Italian Government

CMO (OCM in Italian) is an informational and promotional European Union measure/project to improve the competitiveness of the Italian community wines with a protected designation of origin or a protected geographical indication. The purpose of OCM is to level the playing field by giving small and medium-sized Italian suppliers - advertising and marketing funds to be competitive in the global wine market.

At WineLabelApprovals.com, we can assist your wine import company by creating compelling advertisements for your Italian wines under OCM guidelines, whether digital or printed.

I have included the Italian ads that I have made for the Tavernello, a popular wine brand in Italy. These ads were made for the Beverage Media Group magazine.

Also, I have included a truck ad that I designed for the tri-state market (Connecticut, New Jersey, and New York).



In order to get gain fundings from the Italian government and the European Union, the Italian flag must be noted with the required text. Please see the info graphic below.



EU flag and wording (in color or negative) must be printed on the Promotional material, NOT on removable part, and must be visible and clearly legible. In case of audiovisual media, they must appear at the beginning, during or at the end of the message. In case of audio recordings, the reference to funding must be mentioned at the end of the message.

All information and promotional materials (banners, leaflets, invitations, postcards, posters, gadgets, adv pages, posters, videos, etc.) To ensure that the design and production costs are funded, materials / video / social and web pages / advertising pages / gadgets / equipment must contain the wording and the European flag.

If wording and Community flag will not be present, the cost of materials will NOT be FUNDED.

Contact Us

Customer Service Hours And Support
Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. EST - Monday thru Thursday Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. EST - Fridays
Eastern Time (ET): (Time In New York City) Fairfield County, Connecticut
Cell Phone (& Whatapp Number):
203-260-3152 (texting enabled)
Google Voice:
203-572-1195 (texting enabled)
Primary E-Mail:
ryan@broadbin.com
Secondary E-Mail:
winelabelapprovals@gmail.com
Linked-In Profile:
wwww.linkedin.com/in/ryanbroadbin
Portfolio:
ryanbroadbin.com (My Portfolio Features Graphic Design Samples And Wine-Label Compliance Examples)





WineLabelApprovals.com proudly supports wine importers and wineries in the U.S. By working with WineLabelApprovals.com, you create jobs in Connecticut.

Please contact me before you send any labels by mail. Please send tracking number or additional information to my e-mail address below. Wine Labels to be scanned can be sent to the PO Box. Please make sure the labels are clean, clear, and readable.

WineLabelApprovals.com PO Box 645 Southport, CT 06890

Wine Label Approvals L.L.C., www.winelabelapprovals.com, certificate of label approvals for wine made simple, 2026