In a blind taste test, I can’t tell the difference between Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio, a Shiraz or a Merlot. It’s not that I don’t enjoy the occasional glass (or bottle) of wine, I just prefer beer, and lately I’ve taken a liking to bourbon.

While I’m not “into” wine, I do buy it. Whether it’s picking up a bottle for the wife, or buying a bottle as something to bring to a get-together, I am a consumer. I’m also the consumer that many wineries and design agencies covet, freely admitting I base my wine purchases on the appeal of the label (and the price tag). I buy wine that has what I think is an interesting design, something different looking. And I know I’m not the only one.

Because of people like me, wine labels play an enormous role in an incredibly competitive space. According to Wines & Vines, in the US alone, there are 8,391 wineries, and the average price per bottle is now $10.85. This is a price point that falls right into my sweet spot. Not the cheapest option, but far from breaking the bank. An $11 bottle with some sort of whimsical, minimalist or old-timey label design? I’ll try it.

When I try to explain what this magazine covers to people unfamiliar with the intricacies of the label industry, I use wine labels as an example. This they can relate to, and they get a little bit closer to thinking about packaging in perhaps a way they haven’t before. With label awards programs having categories dedicated to wine labels, our industry itself certainly acknowledges their importance.

In this issue, our first of 2015, we celebrate wine labels. In addition to a feature story that delves into the demographics and drivers of wine label designs, we also take an up-close look at G3 Enterprises, the label converter owned by the famous Gallo family that exclusively services the wine label market. We’ll also look at the latest from paper substrate suppliers, the stock that accounts for 93% of the world’s wine labels.

With wine, we’re celebrating the new year, the close of the last one, and also our industry. In this issue’s Front Row column, Jack Kenny chronicles how far the label industry has come over the last two decades. I can only imagine what the next 20 years will bring.

One year at time. Last year, I visited and spoke with a number of label converters and industry suppliers. I heard a lot of success stories regarding new markets entered, equipment purchased and businesses grown. With what’s shaping up to be a busy 2015 under way, I’m expecting more of the same.




Steve Katz, Editor
[email protected]
Twitter: @LabelSteve