Which Nice Classification Class Are Wine and Spirits In?

Wine, whisky, rum, gin, and other spirits fall under Class 33, which covers alcoholic beverages other than beer.

Why beer is the odd one out

It's a common assumption that all alcoholic drinks share one class, but the Nice Classification splits them: beer sits in Class 32, alongside non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks and juices (see our entry on which class beer is in), while every other alcoholic drink — wine, spirits, liqueurs, alcoholic cocktails — falls under Class 33. A brewery expanding into a spirits line, or a distillery launching a beer brand, under the same name, would need both classes.

What this means for beverage brands

A company producing wine and spirits doesn't need to worry about Class 32 unless it also makes beer or non-alcoholic drinks under the same brand. If the business also runs its own retail stores, bars, or tasting rooms, that's a separate service classification — Class 35 for retail, or Class 43 for a bar or tasting-room service — on top of the product class.

Try the Nice Classification Finder to check your specific product range, or see the full Nice Classification guide for all 45 classes.

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