Do all wines contain sulphites?

Almost all do, because sulphites occur naturally in fermentation and most winemakers add some.

Can wine contain egg or milk?

Some wines are fined with egg albumin or milk casein. EU rules require these to be declared on the label when detectable.

Is a digital wine list better than printed?

For long lists that change often, yes: it is easier to browse and update.

Should I include tasting notes?

Short, plain notes help casual guests; experts value producer, region and vintage. Include both briefly.

How do I show natural or low-sulphite wines?

Give them their own section and describe them accurately. Avoid claiming they are sulphite-free unless tested.

Should wine prices include VAT?

Yes. Prices shown to consumers in the EU should generally include VAT and any unavoidable charges, for both glasses and bottles. Show glass sizes in millilitres so guests can compare value.

QR Code Wine List: what works, and what to avoid

By the Menulta editorial team · Facts checked 15 October 2026 · Updated 15 October 2026

The short answer

A QR code wine list lets wine bars show a long list clearly on a phone, organised by style, region and grape, with by-the-glass availability updated as bottles open and sell out. It can include producer details, short tasting notes, food pairings and allergen information, including sulphites and any egg or milk fining agents.

What wine bars need from a menu

Wine lists are long, change often and are hard to read in small print. By-the-glass selections depend on which bottles are open. Guests range from experts who want producers and vintages to casual drinkers who want 'something fresh and white'.

Wine bars also tend to change their list frequently as they buy small lots, open special bottles and rotate by-the-glass selections. Printed lists go out of date within days. A digital list can be updated by the person behind the bar in seconds, so guests always see what is actually available, at the right price, with the right vintage. Guests who want to remember a wine they enjoyed can also find it again later on the same list. For importers and small producers, a well-presented list helps sell the bottles that have the best story.

Menu layout that works

Serve both experts and casual guests.

By the glass first, with sizes and prices.
Bottles by style: sparkling, white, rosé, orange, red, sweet.
Within each, by region or grape.
Producer, vintage and a one-line description.
Small plates and cheese with suggested pairings.

Allergens and dietary information

Almost all wines contain sulphites above 10 mg/l and must be labelled 'contains sulphites'. Some wines are fined with egg (albumin) or milk (casein), which must be declared when detectable under EU wine labelling rules. Cheese and charcuterie bring milk, sulphites and sometimes nuts. Show these per item.

Keeping by-the-glass current

The by-the-glass list changes through the evening. A digital list lets staff switch wines on and off as bottles open and finish, so guests do not order a wine that has just run out. Natural and low-intervention wines may have lower added sulphites, which some guests look for, but they still usually contain sulphites.

Common mistakes for wine bars

A wine list that is just a long scroll with no sections.
By-the-glass wines still listed after the bottle is finished.
No mention of sulphites.
Cheese and charcuterie without allergens.
Prices for bottles but not for glasses.

Setting it up

Menulta gives wine bars a QR menu that opens in each guest's phone language, from 30 options, with allergens on every dish and photos of your own food. It costs EUR 39.90 a month plus a one-off EUR 149 setup, which includes printed QR table stickers and staff training, with no commission on orders.

Sources

This guide is general information, not medical or legal advice. Guests with an allergy should follow their doctor's advice. Operators should confirm their own setup with their food safety adviser or local authority.