Label Integrity Program

As there are no scientific tests to identify the vintage, variety or regional source of wine, the AWBC established a Label Integrity Program, at the request of industry, to help substantiate label claims. It is essentially a recording system to provide an audit trail, from grape purchase to finished product.

The LIP was introduced for the 1990 vintage and is now the basis of the Australian label-claim system in respect of vintage, variety and geographical indication Winemakers are not required to make a label claim about the wine vintage, (grape) variety or region of origin of the grapes, but must keep an audit trail if they do. The LIP prescribes what events must be recorded, but not how records must be kept.

A “label claim” includes claims made on a wine label, in a commercial document or in an advertisement, about the vintage, variety or geographical indication of wine goods or of the wine goods from which they were manufactured. Generic name wines, such as Moselle, Claret, Dry Red, Dry White etc., which make no reference in a label statement as to vintage, variety or geographical indication, are not included.

The provisions of the LIP are additional to other labelling requirements set down under Federal and State legislation. The full regulations are included in the Australian Wine and Brandy Corporation Act 1980 (Part VIA, Sections 39A - 39ZL).

The Act provides for a penalty of up to $15,000 for a wine manufacturer who “knowingly or recklessly” fails to make or keep records as required or makes or keeps a record that is false, misleading or incomplete in a material particular.

• LIP requirements
• LIP Statement template 
• Recordkeeping template and example