The Decanter Label Society is a friendly group of over 100 members, based mainly in the UK with fellow collectors in North America, South Africa, and Japan.
We welcome those with an interest in decanter labels, whether you are an established collector, a newcomer to the subject, or simply curious to learn more.
Our members enjoy a wide range of interests, from collecting labels with a single name, such as Burgundy, or perhaps rare wine names such as Mountain, Shrub, Cape, and Nice. Other members collect labels focusing on particular periods including the Georgian and Art Deco eras.
In addition to wine labels members also collect those for sauces and perfumes. Others appreciate labels in materials other than silver, such as pottery, enamel and mother-of-pearl, please click on a thumbnail to enlarge.
For many, the appeal of decanter labels extends beyond wine itself to encompass history, decorative arts, and culinary culture. Joining the Society offers the opportunity to share knowledge, discover new areas of interest, and become part of a welcoming community of enthusiasts.
Our members meet together in the spring and autumn. In May 2026 we had a tour of the Mansion House, the official residence of the Lord Mayor of London where we were shown a breath-taking collection of antique silver including many fine decanter labels. Later that day we spent the afternoon discussing Madeira, not just the labels, but also enjoying a glass of Madeira and a slice of cake!
In October 2026 at our AGM in Windsor, we had the opportunity to visit the castle and we were able to view and handle magnificent decanter labels from the Royal collection, see the example below.
"Regular Zoom Meetings"
We also have 3 or 4 zoom meetings each year, members can submit labels for a particular theme, i.e. Birmingham labels, and we can offer various opinions, perhaps on the style, method of manufacture or comment on scarcity. Below is a gallery of some of the Birmingham Labels from our Zoom meeting.
Members receive a copy of the DLS Journal each year and we also email regular Newsletters with topical information, i.e. auctions that have decanter labels on offer.
The menu on the left highlight’s other aspects of the society, including our three published books on labels: Wine Labels, A Worldwide History, 1730-2003, Sauce Labels 1750 - 1950 and Boudoir Labels 1753 – 1965. Although now out of print these books are available in pdf form in the members area.
Also, in the members area of the website, we have an extensive archive of material including pdf copies of the journals that we have published annually over the last 74 years .The journals are an invaluable source of detailed research and history about labels which has been created over three quarters of a century!
If you wish to apply for membership of the Circle, please complete the attached application form, which you can send direct to the Membership Secretary at:
The fee for membership of the Wine label Circle is £30 per annum, we think is quite reasonable, especially if compared to the cost of buying a modest wine label.
On the following pages you will find more details about aspects of the Society.
Important: The information you supply will be used ONLY to forward details of the Society to you. It will not be shared with any other organisation or individual, and will be held in full compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation.