7 Ways to Remove Labels from Wine Bottles (Wet and Dry Methods) Soak the wine bottle in warm water with 5-10 tablespoons of baking soda for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the label will likely float on water. If not, remove the bottle and peel or wipe it off with a rag. If it becomes difficult, use a fingernail or steel wool to remove the remaining parts. Allow the label to dry completely before using it. 3.