Earlier in July 2014, UC Davis Executive Education at the Graduate School of Management brought together over 80 participants for its inaugural Wine Packaging Strategy: Decide, Design, Impress program. Participants were asked to bring wine products that “spoke to them” through packaging. Over 40 products were entered in the contest, representing a huge cross-section of wines and packages.
The winners were chosen the old fashioned way, with each program attendee getting a vote. The results are as follows:
1st PLACE Wine: The Collector’s Pinot Noir 2012 Sta. Rita Hills Price Point: $110.00
Description: The Collector’s Pinot Noir is a traditional Pinot from an estate vineyard in Sta. Rita Hills. It is presented in a hand-blown glass bottle with a hand-made paper label printed on a manual letterpress. The cork is sealed with estate-harvested bees wax. This package is art incarnate, and we’re told the wine inside is as lovely as the package.
2nd PLACE Wine: Bolle di Lambrusco To You Bianco – Cantina Ceci Price Point: $19.00
Description: A wine bottle blackboard…who would have guessed it possible! This lambrusco is not only a great tasting sparkling wine, but is also lets you decorate the bottle to suit any occasion! It even comes with the chalk and eraser already attached.
3rd PLACE Wine: California Square Red Paso Price Point: $15.00
Description: This bottle is not only more space efficient than standard round bottles, it looks totally cool! The elegantly etched square bottle begs for re-use and display, and is easy to find on a shelf full of other wine choices. Walk into a store and say, “Direct me to the square one, Sir!” There won’t be any confusion over which you’re looking to purchase.