Winemakers On Fire, Issue #66

Hello, fellow wine lovers!

This week on Winemakers On Fire, we dive deep into the heart of Cape Point Vineyards with Hannes Meyer, the visionary CEO and Cellar Master who’s redefining the role of wine in today’s world. We explore his challenges, triumphs, and unique philosophy, all while taking a mesmerising journey through the winery's enchanting lands.

But that's not all, as we also spotlight the exquisite Orbelia Essentials See-Through wine label design, a masterpiece of modern elegance that invites you to peek into the wine and engage with the wine on a more personal level. This week is packed with insights, inspiration, and stories that will fire up your passion for wine.

“In our challenging industry, it's more important than ever for us to innovate, create new opportunities, and share our story. We can't just sit back and wait for things to happen; we must make things happen.”

Let’s dive in.

Surfing the Crest of Innovation: Cape Point Vineyards Embraces Change

Hannes Meyer, the CEO and Cellar Master of Cape Point Vineyards, offers his insights into an industry that is both rooted in tradition and challenged by modernity from the rarefied air of Cape Point, where vines and people alike defy the elements to create wines of distinctive character.

Amidst the turmoil of market challenges and global uncertainty, Meyer reflects on the unique position of Cape Point Vineyards within the South African wine industry and its commitment to upholding the highest standards in winemaking and sustainability.

In our interview, he invites us to share his unique vision and to explore the possibilities of innovation in an industry that is both ancient and ever-changing.

Good day, Hannes. I’m excited to hear your insights and perspectives, focussing on the broader wine industry.

Thank you, Mike.

As both Cellar Master and CEO, you have a unique vantage point on the wine industry. What do you see as the most significant challenges facing South African wine producers today, and how is Cape Point Vineyards positioning itself to meet these challenges? 

Although the wine industry is currently facing significant challenges, I remain incredibly excited and optimistic about its potential. As Cellar Master and CEO of Cape Point Vineyards, I firmly believe that we need to take an active role in shaping our own destiny.

Our location is truly unique, unlike any other vineyard, and our wines reflect the character of this special place. Therefore, our focus is on highlighting and communicating this unique identity to the world.

In our challenging industry, it's more important than ever for us to innovate, create new opportunities, and share our story. We can't just sit back and wait for things to happen; we must make things happen. I'm confident that our commitment to our distinctive identity and the quality of our wines will ensure that Cape Point Vineyards continues to thrive.

The global wine landscape is constantly evolving. In your view, what are the most exciting opportunities for South African wines on the international stage, and how can producers like Cape Point Vineyards capitalise on these opportunities?

We are incredibly lucky in South Africa to have a wealth of unique sites that enable us to produce outstanding wines with a distinctive sense of place. Cape Point Vineyards, located at one of the most exceptional sites in the country, is a prime example of this. We have an unparalleled opportunity to create exceptional Sauvignon Blancs that are not only high in quality but also showcase the unique characteristics of our terroir.

Cape Point Vineyards should be celebrated as one of the leading producers of Sauvignon Blanc in South Africa, renowned for wines that reflect the very essence of our vineyard’s remarkable site. It is our responsibility to share this excellence with the world, to promote the potential of our wines, and to establish Cape Point Vineyards as a name synonymous with exceptional quality and terroir-driven character.

Sustainability and environmental consciousness are becoming increasingly important in the wine industry. How do you see this trend shaping the future of winemaking, and what steps is Cape Point Vineyards taking to address these concerns? 

Cape Point Vineyards is situated in a fragile and delicate ecosystem, and we recognise that our responsibility to care for and respect this unique landscape is paramount. We consider it a privilege to be able to farm grapes in such a special place, and we are committed to doing so in a way that honours and protects the environment. Partnering with local conservation groups is integral to our mission.

We believe that by working together and leveraging our respective expertise, we can make a positive impact on the environment. We strive to cultivate a strong, collaborative relationship with these groups, ensuring that we are not only sustainable but also contribute to the conservation of the area. Cape Point Vineyards is not just a winery, but a guardian and champion of this unique ecosystem.

With the rise of alternative beverages and changing consumer preferences, how do you envision the role of wine in society evolving over the next decade? How can traditional wine producers stay relevant and continue to captivate new generations of wine enthusiasts? 

At Cape Point Vineyards, we recognise that the future success of our winery lies in our ability to embrace creativity and proactivity. We cannot afford to rest on our laurels and wait for customers to come to us; we must go to them, captivating their imaginations with the unique stories that our wines tell. Every single guest who visits our breathtaking site should leave with an unforgettable experience—one that is not found anywhere else in the world.

Innovating and experimenting with our products, our marketing, and our customer experiences is not a luxury—it is a necessity. We must push the boundaries of what is possible and create a brand that is not just associated with great wine but with adventure, with discovery, and with an authentic and unforgettable connection to the land and its people. Cape Point Vineyards is not just a winery—it is a journey waiting to be shared.

Our discussion with Hannes Meyer unveiled his dynamic approach to winemaking, where innovation, connection, and strategic thinking unite to craft a world-class winery. In a constantly evolving market, Cape Point Vineyards is forging a unique path by redefining wine’s role in society, reflecting Meyer’s unwavering belief in the power of authenticity, vision, and adaptability.

Here are three lessons I learnt from our interview:

Navigating Global Challenges: Rather than "riding the waves of change," one could argue that Cape Point Vineyards is charting a path through choppy seas by positioning itself as a unique, site-specific winery focused on quality over quantity. In doing so, they are positioning themselves to weather the challenges of a rapidly shifting global market.

Seizing Opportunities: Instead of simply "embracing change," Cape Point Vineyards is strategically capitalising on their distinct location and identity to create wines that are not only high in quality but also tell a compelling story of place. They are not waiting for opportunities to arise but are actively seeking them out and forging their own path.

Redefining the Role of Wine: Rather than seeing wine as simply a beverage, Hannes Meyer envisions it as a cultural touchstone, an integral part of society's shifting social landscape. He recognises that the next decade will see wine's role as an industry, an art form, and a means of connecting people evolve in ways that are difficult to predict. Cape Point Vineyards seeks to stay ahead of these shifts by nurturing relationships, preserving their unique identity, and capitalising on their strengths.

By challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of traditional winemaking, Cape Point Vineyards is setting itself apart and redefining the industry's trajectory.

Hannes, thank you for your time, insights, and generosity.

A Monument to Modern Elegance: The Orbelia Essentials See-Through Wine Label Design

A symphony of geometric patterns, harmonising shades of blue and black, and an innovative see-through element—the Orbelia Essentials See-Through wine label design is a sophisticated blend of artistry and craftsmanship.

Background

Nestled in the rich Struma River Valley, Orbelia Winery has a deep heritage of winemaking excellence. The Essentials Tier is the embodiment of their commitment to quality and innovation, where modern sophistication meets traditional roots.

Design Thinking

The intricately crafted label harmoniously fuses a contemporary geometric pattern with timeless typography, evoking depth and movement. The brand name, “Orbelia,” rendered in a refined serif font, exudes sophistication and class.

The cursive script of “Essentials” adds a personalised, artisanal touch. Raised varnish on the brand and select circles provides a distinct tactile experience.

The Magic Behind the See-Through Element

Creating the see-through element was an intricate process that required precision and skill. The die cut needed to be perfectly aligned with the label’s design to ensure that the dots in the second inner circle lined up correctly with the foil elements on the bottle. This meticulous attention to detail is what makes this label so unique and fascinating.

A Masterpiece of Tactile Contrast

The combination of textures in this design was carefully considered to create a harmonious balance. The textured debossed background provides contrast, while the raised varnish on the brand and select circles adds another layer of tactile interest.

Exploring the Role of Colour

The varying shades of blue and black in the geometric pattern create depth and movement, while the subtle foil elements add an ethereal glow that highlights the circular design. These carefully selected colours not only complement each other but also reflect the essence of the Orbelia brand.

A Journey from Grape to Glass

The Orbelia Essentials See-Through wine label is not just a pretty face, but a carefully crafted journey from vineyard to glass. It showcases the history, tradition, and care that go into every bottle of Orbelia wine.

The label’s aesthetic appeal and interactive design reflect the winery’s commitment to creating a memorable experience for their customers, from the moment they pick up the bottle to the moment they take their first sip.

A Gift from Vineyard to Table

Beyond its aesthetic and tactile delights, this label serves as a constant reminder of the care and dedication that goes into every Orbelia bottle. It’s a gift from the vineyard to your table, an invitation to savour not just the wine but the story, the craftsmanship, and the terroir that comes with it.

Orbelia’s commitment to excellence, passion for innovation, and reverence for tradition are all encapsulated in this masterpiece of a label. Every sip is a journey to be savoured, a story to be told, and an experience to be treasured.

A Label of Personal Connection: Cultivating Memorable Experiences

The Orbelia Essentials see-through label design by the visionary Jordan Jelev, created by the skilled hands of Daga Printing House, is a masterpiece that transforms wine labels as we know them.

With a unique, see-through design, Orbelia's label invites consumers to peek into the bottle for a more tactile and memorable experience. This innovation transforms the buying process into a personal interaction, potentially boosting brand loyalty and word-of-mouth marketing. While the see-through element may pose challenges in certain retail environments, Orbelia's focus on personal connection sets the label apart in a highly competitive market.

By emphasising the bottle’s storytelling potential and tactile appeal, the Orbelia label pushes boundaries, challenging winemakers to create more personalised, interactive experiences for their customers. Rather than just focussing on the wine itself, Orbelia recognises the value of the bottle as a storytelling vessel, forging a deeper connection with its audience.

Did you miss last week’s newsletter? We featured Riandri Visser, the visionary head winemaker at Cape Point Vineyards. Read!

Until next Tuesday, keep your glass full and your taste buds curious.