by Scott Pillsbury | Nov 23, 2024 | Label Design
At Rose City Label, we believe a wine label does more than identify the bottle—it tells a story, draws the eye, and helps your wine stand out on the shelf. The 2022 Oak Knoll Winery Pinot Gris label, designed for the Portland Rose Festival 2023 Collectors Series, is the perfect example of how great design and precision printing combine to create something unforgettable.
A Collector’s Edition Worth Celebrating
This isn’t just a wine label—it’s a piece of history. Commemorating the iconic Portland Rose Festival, this collector’s edition label celebrates one of the city’s most beloved events. With its bold design and shimmering foil embellishments, it captures the vibrancy of the festival while making the bottle a keepsake for wine lovers and event enthusiasts alike.
Special event labels like this one add a deeper connection to the bottle. They evoke memories, celebrate milestones, and create an emotional tie between the product and its audience. By pairing great wine with a standout collector’s label, Oak Knoll ensures its customers are buying more than wine—they’re buying an experience.
A Label That Pops
This label radiates the vibrant energy of the Portland Rose Festival. The striking design features:
- A glass of Pinot Gris is front and center, with Portland’s iconic skyline in the background.
- Bold, celebratory patterns and vivid colors capture the festive spirit of the event.
- A clear holographic foil embellishment that gives it a sophisticated shimmer, catching light and drawing attention from every angle.
These elements don’t just make the label attractive—they make it unmissable.
How We Brought It to Life
Creating this label took expertise and care. Here’s what went into it:
- Material: Printed on HP006 Bright White Felt for a textured, premium feel that reflects the quality of the wine inside.
- Presses: These are produced using the HP6900 Indigo digital press, Delta, and hot stamping techniques, ensuring vibrant colors and precise finishes.
- Embellishments: The transparent holographic foil adds that wow factor, making the label shine and reinforcing its collectible appeal.
Why Collector’s Edition Labels Matter
Labels like this are more than functional—they’re a way to honor special moments. A collector’s edition label ties your wine to an unforgettable occasion, symbolizing celebration and pride. Customers are drawn to the exclusivity, making your product both desirable and memorable.
Oak Knoll’s Pinot Gris label perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Portland Rose Festival. It’s a testament to their brand, wine, and the Portland Rose Festival.
Let’s create your next showstopper and turn your product into a cherished memory. Whether you’re commemorating a special event or looking to make your wine stand out on the shelf, Rose City Label is here to make it happen! Reach out today!
by Scott Pillsbury | Nov 11, 2024 | Label Design
Here at Rose City Label, we’re always thrilled when a label tells a story, and Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey label does just that. This isn’t just ink on paper; it’s artistry meeting craftsmanship, wrapped around a bottle of world-class whiskey.
Let’s dive into what makes this label so captivating and why we’re proud to have brought it to life!
A Collaboration of Bold Ideas
First off, the client, Rogue Ales & Spirits, teamed up with the brilliant Hagen Moore, their Marketing/Creative Director, to craft a design that reflects the sophistication and spirit of their Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey. This label is a testament to their dedication to quality, from the whiskey to the packaging. When we got the ticket for this project, we knew we were in for something special.
Material and Technology: It’s All in the Details
Rogue’s label is printed on HP022 Everopaque Bright White Felt, a material that gives the bottle a sturdy, luxurious feel the moment you pick it up. This paper choice wasn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about texture. It feels rich, inviting you to savor every detail before opening the bottle. The Everopaque material stands out for its brightness and opacity, ensuring every ink drop and foil application is as vibrant as possible.
Embellishments That Dazzle
Now, let’s talk about the embellishments. This label runs through a hot stamp twice to add stunning black and red foil accents. Why go through the hot stamp twice? Because quality demands extra steps! The black foil gives the label depth and contrast, making the bold “Morimoto” name pop. The red foil, meanwhile, adds a layer of elegance, perfectly placed in the Japanese calligraphy and seal. These touches aren’t just decorative—they create a memorable impression, making the label as unique as the whiskey itself.
Presses That Mean Business
For those who love to geek out over print technology (we do!), this label was printed on our HP6900 and Delta presses, plus an additional hot stamp. The HP6900 handles digital printing with sharp precision, while the Delta press is versatile enough to handle multiple materials and finishes. Together, they create a crisp, durable, and visually arresting label. The numerous press processes allow us to combine intricate details with long-lasting quality, which is perfect for a high-end product like Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey.
Aesthetics That Tell a Story
The label design itself is a work of art. At the top, the iconic Rogue logo instantly commands attention. Below it, the name “Morimoto” stands in bold, crisp typography, with “Single Malt Whiskey” elegantly understated. But the real magic happens with the striking Japanese calligraphy that spans the label, a nod to the heritage and artistry infused in every bottle. The calligraphy, accented with a vibrant red seal, brings authenticity and respect for tradition, fitting for a single malt with character.
Why This Label Stands Out
This label isn’t just any whiskey label; it’s a masterclass in using materials, technology, and design to create something unforgettable. Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey label demonstrates what happens when a brand pushes for excellence in every detail. Every aspect of this label is thoughtfully chosen to enhance the product inside, from the choice of premium materials to the double hot stamp embellishments.
At Rose City Label, we take immense pride in helping brands like Rogue Ales & Spirits realize their vision. When you hold a bottle of Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey, you’re not just looking at a label—you’re experiencing the story of craftsmanship, dedication, and bold choices that make a product exceptional. And that’s what we’re here for, to bring those stories to life, one label at a time.
So, next time you’re looking to make your product stand out, remember that the details matter, and we’re ready to make those details shine.
by Scott Pillsbury | Oct 4, 2024 | Customers/Examples
At Rose City Label, we take immense pride in producing labels that not only look stunning but also convey the premium nature of the product they’re designed for. The label we crafted for Trail’s End 10 by Hood River Distillers is no exception. This one stands out in more ways than one, with every detail carefully considered to reflect the exceptional quality of the bourbon inside the bottle.
The first thing you’ll notice when you run your fingers over the Trail’s End label is the texture. We chose HP063 Classic Felt Natural White, a material that adds a level of sophistication and craftsmanship that immediately stands out on the shelf. This natural white felt paper has a tactile, premium feel that connects the consumer to the authentic, artisanal quality of the bourbon. It’s not just about how it looks – it’s how it feels.
To bring this label to life, we combined our best-in-class printing technology. The HP6900 digital press and Delta die cutter provides exceptional precision and rich color, allowing us to produce a label that’s as visually striking as it is detailed. But the real showstopper here is the Hotstamp. This press from Newfoil in the UK adds luxurious gold foil, instantly elevating the label and giving it that premium, high-end feel that bourbon lovers expect.
Speaking of gold foil, let’s dive into the embellishments. When you look at the Trail’s End label, the gold accents catch the eye immediately. It’s more than just shiny – it’s a statement. Gold foil was carefully applied to the name and key elements of the design, making the brand name pop while conveying a sense of luxury and heritage.
But we didn’t stop there. To enhance the texture and visual appeal, we used embossing to raise certain parts of the design, giving the label depth and dimension. This three-dimensional effect is not only visually engaging, but it also adds another layer of tactile satisfaction when you hold the bottle. The embossed tree – a central visual element – gives a nod to the brand’s connection with nature, while the raised typeface enhances readability and premium perception.
Why This Label Stands Out
The combination of premium felt material, hotstamped gold foil, and expert embossing makes this label more than just a sticker – it’s a work of art. It immediately grabs attention with its luxurious shine and textured depth, and upon closer inspection, it tells a story. The story of a bourbon that’s carefully crafted, finished in Oregon oak casks, and bottled with the same level of care and detail that went into designing its label.
Trail’s End 10 doesn’t just sit on the shelf – it commands attention. The label speaks directly to the premium quality of the bourbon inside, enticing whiskey aficionados and casual sippers alike. From the choice of material to the thoughtful use of embellishments, every detail of this label reflects the craft, care, and heritage that Hood River Distillers poured into their product.
At Rose City Label, we understand that great labels aren’t just about looking good – they’re about telling a story, enhancing brand perception, and standing out in a competitive market. We’re proud to have played a part in the journey of Trail’s End 10, and we look forward to helping more brands make their mark with high-quality labels that truly reflect the spirit of their products.
Visit Hood River Distillers to learn more about Trail’s End at www.hrdspirits.com and see this label masterpiece in action!
by Scott Pillsbury | Oct 4, 2024 | Customers/Examples
At Rose City Label, we believe that a wine’s label is just as important as the wine inside the bottle, and Blue Heron French Cheese Company’s Oregon Pinot Gris is a perfect example of what can happen when craftsmanship and creativity come together.
Let’s talk about why this label stands out.
First, the material: We used HP006 Bright White Felt, a textured, premium paper stock that gives the label a rich and tactile feel. You’re greeted with a sense of luxury when you touch the bottle. That texture enhances the overall experience and makes this Pinot Gris even more enticing before you’ve even poured a glass.
Now, the magic of the process: the HP6900 digital press, Delta die cutter, and Newfoil hot stamp press—this trio of printing technology ensures precise, high-quality results. What does that mean for this label? Sharp, detailed lines and rich, true colors. Everything pops with clarity and sophistication, whether it’s the delicate illustration of the heron or the elegant font choices.
Speaking of popping—let’s talk embellishments! We used clear gloss foil and embossing to elevate the design. The foil adds a sleek shine, making the label catch the light beautifully. It creates a high-end feel that draws the eye to the bottle from across the room. And that embossing? It gives the label depth, making the Blue Heron name and the heron illustration feel almost three-dimensional. You can actually feel the craftsmanship with every touch. This attention to detail sets it apart from ordinary wine labels.
In terms of design, the combination of the heron, soft blue tones, and classic typography evokes the coastal serenity of Tillamook, where Blue Heron French Cheese Company calls home. It’s a nod to the natural beauty of Oregon, a place known for its vibrant wine industry.
At Rose City Label, we love creating labels that tell a story, and this one speaks volumes about craftsmanship, elegance, and quality. Every time you pick up a bottle of Blue Heron Oregon Pinot Gris, you’re not just holding wine—you’re holding a piece of art that reflects the essence of both the wine and the region.
That’s why we take so much pride in what we do here at Rose City Label. We know that a well-crafted label like this can enhance the entire wine experience, and Blue Heron’s Pinot Gris is a shining example of how the right materials, press techniques, and embellishments can make a label truly unforgettable.
by Scott Pillsbury | Sep 9, 2024 | Label News
We are beyond excited to announce that Rose City Label has won First Place for Best Classic Design Format in the 2024 PACK Design Awards, hosted by WineBusiness Monthly!
The award was for our work on the stunning label for MB by Momtazi Bachinsky, a biodynamic Pinot Noir from Oregon. This elegant label, designed in collaboration with Rachel at Graphic Lime Creative, showcases the true artistry and attention to detail we pour into every project at Rose City Label. We’ve enjoyed working with Rachel on many projects; her creativity and vision always shine through. Her ability to capture the essence of a brand and translate it into a standout label is unmatched. This partnership allows us to deliver top-notch, award-winning designs for our clients consistently, and we’re proud to work alongside her. Cheers to many more shared successes!
The judges praised this label, calling it “beautiful, simple, and eye-catching,” and commended its pastel plate as one of the best they’ve seen. They also noted how the abstract art, which celebrates the flora and fauna of the vineyard, tells a story—creating an appeal that spans from a formal dinner table to a casual picnic. One judge remarked that the luxurious wax top and overall design make this $25 bottle feel like a much higher-end product. Another pointed out the back label’s attention to farming practices, adding to its credibility and appeal.
“This packaging is pure luxury with the artsy label and wax capsule and would be a standout in a $25 and under section. Other $25 bottles don’t look like this. I like how the back label explains the idea behind the label as well as shares their farming practices which are very important. Sold!”
– Comment from a judge
At Rose City Label, we take immense pride in supporting small businesses—whether they’re wineries, breweries, retailers, or food producers—with labels that tell their stories and help their products stand out on the shelf. This award is a testament to our entire team’s creativity, craftsmanship, and dedication. Every label we create is a team effort, and we love collaborating with amazing brands like Momtazi Bachinsky.
Winning this award reinforces our commitment to pushing the boundaries of label design while staying true to the timeless, classic formats we love. We’re honored to be recognized for this work and look forward to helping more small businesses shine with their packaging.
Here’s to more creative projects and award-winning designs! Cheers!
