With the passing of time, changes take place in a wine and therefore the age of a wine, with specific reference to vintage, can serve as a guide to another aspect of its character.

The vintage which appears on the label of a wine confirms that at least 75% (85% from 1 January 2006) of the content of that bottle is from that specific claimed year (85% if the wine is exported to the European Union). Vintage may only be indicated on a label if the wine is certified by the Wine and Spirit Board.