I don't know which we love more, wine packaging or wine itself, but this week we were back in Niagara-on-the-Lake and "the Bench", feeding our passion and working with our friends at Creekside Estate Winery on a new branding project! We previously created the brand image, packaging, merch and transactional website presence for the Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery in collaboration with the same team who are partners in the venture. No we're focussed on bringing the Creekside brand itself up to match the vision, quality and persona of the winery, and we've got some great stuff in the works.

We were hosted by the winery's gracious owner, Laura McCain, at a home near her own on Niagara-on-the-lake that she's busy converting into a luxury rental that would be absolutely amazing for an executive private retreat in wine country (Dynamo Offsite summer 2011? - oh yeah), or a family vacation spot, with extensive grounds and a kitchen large enough to service an entire wedding army (Getting married on the grounds or simply hosting an outdoor reception there would be spectacular). It's absolutely stunning - built by JC Penney himself (really) just after the turn of the previous century and faces tree-lined views across Lake Ontario directly to the downtown Toronto grouping of skyscrapers off on the distant horizon.

Jenna and I took designs out to test them at retail / LCBO and had a working session with Laura, Matt Loney (Creekside's Director of Sales and Marketing), Rob Power (Creekside's Decorated Winemaker) and Erin Harvey (Assistant Winemaker). We are super happy to report we've come away with a clear unanimous favorite (which was ours too! PHEW) and looking forward to putting some finishing touches on the final labels and detailing out the rest of the package elements (Cork, Foil/Capsul, Shipping Boxes, Etc). The design is bold and attention-grabbing, just like the wines.

The entry into the 600-barrel cellar, one of the areas' largest where we tasted directly from barrel with Matt and Rob. Intimate familiarity with the product is essential to capturing a brand essence. Another glass? Yes please!

All the tanks at Creekside are named, in perfect alignment with the quirkiness and creativity of the winery team. The biggest and most unadorned tank in the tank farm is appropriately named "Buddha".

Sorry for the tease, but be on the lookout for a post showcasing the new design package very shortly!

Cheers,
Bob

Bob - Bob is Dynamo's Creative Director, a mutlidisciplinary director / designer responsible for ensuring that our work hits strategic targets, demonstrates creative innovation and compels our client's audiences to take action. He firmly believes good design can enrich experiences, enhance communication and ultimately change the world.