Winemakers On Fire, Issue #102

Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa!

In a sea of bottles vying for attention, how do you make yours the one that turns heads? This week, we're diving into DEUCE Winery's striking Red Band label—a masterclass in visual storytelling that proves packaging isn't just packaging; it's the first chapter of your wine's story.

Jordan Jelev (The Labelmaker) has created something that doesn't just sit on a shelf—it practically shouts from it. When bold design meets exceptional wine, magic happens. Let's explore how this Bulgarian maverick is redefining shelf presence with purpose.

Let’s dive in.

Finding Gold Where Others See Dust: The Opportunity Mindset.

Ask most wine professionals about their challenges, and they'll pour you a generous glass of problems without missing a beat. But ask them to identify opportunities, and suddenly they're staring into an empty glass.

It's no different in South Africa's wine country or boardrooms worldwide. We're wired to spot issues and fix what's broken. We pride ourselves on being problem solvers, much like perfecting that troublesome fermentation.

But here's the thing: this laser focus on fixing comes with a hefty price tag.

When we're obsessively hunting for faults—like scrutinising every barrel for off-notes—we walk right past unopened doors of possibility. Our problem-coloured glasses blind us to the opportunities sparkling just beyond.

Developing an opportunity mindset starts with noticing trends and patterns. Instead of lamenting declining wine exports or shifting consumer tastes, ask yourself, "What advantage is everyone else missing here?"

When market conditions sour like an abandoned tank of Sauvignon, most producers retreat to their cellars, waiting for better days. But what if you zigged while others zagged? What if you deepened relationships with distributors and customers when there's no immediate sale on the horizon?

The real magic happens when you examine every challenge through opportunity-tinted glasses first. "Where's the gold here?" becomes your opening question, not "What needs fixing?"

Like developing a sophisticated palate, this mindset requires practice. You don't stumble upon great opportunities any more than you stumble upon great terroir—you hunt for them relentlessly, sometimes finding them disguised as problems.

The best wine innovators don't wait for opportunity to knock; they kick down doors in search of advantage.

After all, in wine as in business, fortune favours the bold!

DEUCE Red Band: When Bold Design Meets Liquid Artistry.

Turning Heads and Raising Eyebrows

Let's be honest—in today's crowded wine market, standing out isn't just desirable; it's survival. DEUCE Winery has clearly grasped the memo with their latest release, DEUCE Red Band. This isn't just a wine label; it's a visual manifesto that practically leaps off the shelf and demands your attention. Think electric presence with a side of youthful rebellion—exactly what you'd expect from the DEUCE personality we've come to love.

That Red Band!

The star of this visual show? A commanding red "Band" emblazoned across the label in classic Fraktur typography. It's not just printed—it's proudly displayed in deep, provocative red with a structured relief varnish that begs to be touched. This tactile element transforms the simple act of picking up a bottle into a multi-sensory experience. Brilliant!

DEUCE DNA: The Signature Elements

If you've followed DEUCE's journey, you'll immediately recognise their visual signature: custom die-cut elements featuring that distinctive vertical gold line, two circular cutouts on the left, and two square cutouts on the right. It's like the winery's fingerprint—instantly identifiable and consistently woven throughout their entire portfolio.

The Art of Saying Less

In a refreshing departure from labels that overwhelm with information, DEUCE opts for intrigue. The grape varieties appear only in abbreviated form—a clever little tease that invites you to discover more. It's the wine equivalent of a mysterious stranger who doesn't reveal everything at once. Who doesn't love a good mystery?

Darkness with Dimension

Against DEUCE's signature textured black background, subtle dark concentric lines add unexpected depth while drawing your eye toward the central emblem. It's like staring into a sophisticated black hole that pulls you into the DEUCE universe—magnetic and impossible to resist.

The Masterminds Behind the Magic

This visual stunner comes from the creative genius of Jordan Jelev, fondly known in industry circles as "The Labelmaker," a creative whose work consistently pushes boundaries and challenges conventions. And bringing this vision to tangible life? The precision printing wizards at Dagaprint, who've executed every detail with flawless craftsmanship.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

What makes this label truly special isn't just its bold aesthetics or perfect production—it's how completely it embodies the spirit of what's inside the bottle. This isn't just packaging; it's a promise, a provocation, and a prelude to the remarkable wine experience that awaits.

In a world of forgettable labels, DEUCE Red Band stands as a reminder that sometimes the first taste of a wine happens with your eyes. And based on this visual feast, we're in for something extraordinary!

Here's what you missed last week...

Last week we shared the fascinating story of Klaas Stoffberg, a Swartland local and Babylonstoren cellar master who has travelled the world to hone his winemaking skills. But it is in the shadow of the Simonsberg Mountain that he has perfected his craft. Klaas, a gifted winemaker, has been instrumental in the development and growth of Babylonstoren's wines.

His philosophy—"attention to detail and adaptability"—has yielded award-winning wines that sell out year after year. Discover how this mountain-biking cellar master transforms Babylonstoren's remarkable elevation range (150-650 m) into liquid poetry and why his winery is as much a living museum as a production facility.

Get ready to be inspired.

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