It’s not inside, it’s on the front: the wine labels we love most
Never judge a book by its cover, they say – but these local wine brands have grabbed our attention with their delightful label designs, which complement the delicious juice they represent.
1
CAPE ROCK WINES ASYLUM AND AMNESTY
These two labels from Cape Rock Wines – a farm located between Vredendal and Klawer in the Western Cape – feature striking, moody coastal scenes that appear to connect when placed next to one another. The idea of the two separate
visuals corresponding in this way is such a clever touch for a brand… caperockwines.co.za
2
SIMONSIG THE GARLAND
The exquisitely detailed drawing on The Garland 2015 depicts the very special site on which this single-vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon is grown. The wine is only released when the cellar deems it exceptional – this vintage, which is from the already
legendary wine year that was 2015, should be treasured. simonsig.co.za
3
SERIOUSLY OLD DIRT BY VILAFONTÉ
The drawing on this label beautifully and subtly conveys the idea of the importance of “terroir”. While the much-used French word doesn’t quite mean just “soil”, the unique qualities of the “dirt” in which vines grow are vitally important
to how the wine turns out in the end. vilafonte.com
4
THE BLACKSMITH “BLOODLINE” PET NAT
The Blacksmith’s wine labels are currently all heavily influenced by tattoo art, and among them is this rose label for Pet Nat. It’s so right for the wine: delicate and complex, but also the very opposite of a shrinking violet or wallflower.
Says it all with no words required! theblacksmithwines
5
AA BADENHORST SECATEURS CHENIN BLANC
This super-identifiable label was created by artist and designer Peet Pienaar, and receives praise for being unpretentious, warm and humble. Featuring a line illustration of farmer’s pruning shears, it highlights the physicality of the wine-growing
process and encapsulates the aesthetic of AA Badenhorst wines. aabadenhorst.com
6
DAWN PATROL CHENIN BLANC
Dawn Patrol’s easy-drinking wines feature its winemaker with her surfboard on “dawn patrol” on their labels, which were created by Stellenbosch-based graphic designers Fanakalo. The drawing is genuinely charming, and gives a personal and
intimate touch to the brand. dawnpatrolwines.com
7
SIJNN LOW PROFILE
This rich and juicy red packs a serious punch, so its subtle and understated name and label deliver something of a witty oxymoron. A clean font juxtaposed against a soft watercolour is separated by a delicately torn edge – a red herring
for what awaits beneath the label! sijnn.co.za
8
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AVONDALE ARMILLA BLANC DE BLANC
This elegant and understated label perfectly matches the delectable wine in the bottle. It’s especially clever that the main colour is a nutty brown shade that most people would not use on a wine – here, it serves to remind fans of the subtle
biscuity flavours of this superb MCC. avondalewine.co.za