Though the year is far from over, Forbes published its list of the "Coolest Wine Labels of 2014." Looking at this gallery shows some of the practices that make labels compelling and memorable. There's a fine line between an innovative label and one that goes too far, however.
For example, one of the vintages on the list is the sparkling "No House Wine" from Delft Blue. Rather than use a traditional clear bottle with a label in the front, the designers covered this bottle with blue and white art that looks like it was painted on, including figures and lots of flowery imagery. While it's very well-made, it's also busy and somewhat difficult to read.
Compare that with the labels used for filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola's reserve wines. These labels, created by one of Coppola's collaborators, are colorful and artistic without being overwhelming. They show images of recognizable human faces rendered in a surprising way with a freshly drawn colored-pencil look. The name of the wine is distinct and clear as well.
Some of the other wines on the list also employ simplicity, with a well-designed label standing out against the color of the wine itself.
Advertiser Sir John Hegarty recently reinforced this point during a conference appearance, according to the British source Harpers Wine & Spirit Trade Review. He said that wine companies aren't speaking the right language to directly appeal to consumers, calling simplicity the key point of communication.
During the design process, wine producers need to think about the end product and what the consumer will see when they pick up the bottle in stores. A color label printer can help companies create these beautiful but simple wine labels.
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