Investing in Oregon’s Clean Energy Future with PGE Green Future Enterprise

Investing in Oregon’s Clean Energy Future with PGE Green Future Enterprise

At Rose City Label, sustainability isn’t just something we talk about—it’s a commitment we live every day. This past year, we proudly participated in Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Green Future Enterprise program, taking meaningful action to power our business with clean, renewable wind energy.

In 2024 alone, Rose City Label purchased 201,203 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of wind renewable energy certificates. 

To put that into perspective, this amount is equivalent to powering more than 235 homes for an entire year! Knowing that our efforts have such a tangible impact motivates us to continue and grow these sustainability practices.

But the benefits extend far beyond our own walls. Our choice to support wind-generated electricity contributes to broader community health and resilience. In partnership with over 225,000 other participants in the Green Future program, we’ve collectively prevented over 3.7 billion pounds of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere in 2024 alone.

Every effort counts, big or small. Being part of PGE’s Green Future Enterprise is not only about embracing renewable energy; it’s about taking responsibility for a cleaner, greener future for Oregon and beyond. This initiative also fosters local clean energy jobs, boosting our economy and paving the way for continued environmental stewardship.

Rose City Label is honored to play a role in supporting our environment. We proudly display our PGE Green Future Enterprise certificate as a reminder and celebration of our ongoing commitment.

Thank you to our incredible customers, partners, and employees for helping us make these sustainable choices possible. 

Together, we’re creating a brighter, cleaner future for everyone.

How Kramer Vineyards & Graphic Lime Creative Captured the Spotlight in WineBusiness Monthly

How Kramer Vineyards & Graphic Lime Creative Captured the Spotlight in WineBusiness Monthly

At Rose City Label, we always believe that exceptional products deserve labels that are equally extraordinary. That’s why we’re thrilled to celebrate Kramer Vineyards and Graphic Lime Creative, whose vibrant, eye-catching “Celebrate Series” was recently spotlighted in WineBusiness Monthly’s Pack Design Awards.

As President of Rose City Label, I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with outstanding brands, helping them share their stories through beautifully crafted labels. The Celebrate Series is particularly special, bringing together modern aesthetics and lively character—perfectly embodying Kramer Vineyards’ spirit of celebrating life’s everyday moments.

The journey began with Kramer Vineyards’ desire to elevate their sparkling wines with labels that captured the fun and uniqueness of each varietal. Kim Kramer, winemaker and visionary behind the series, partnered with Rachel Tourville of Graphic Lime Creative to transform these wines into a unified, yet distinctly expressive collection.

Each wine’s personality is wonderfully captured in the design: bold colors inspired by past iterations, wraparound labels featuring striking vertical typography, and thoughtful imagery connecting directly to each wine’s story.

“The modern design is chic and eye-catching. This is the perfect example of how a series can be done beautifully.”

Judge

We’re incredibly proud to have printed these labels, and to see our partners recognized for their creativity and vision. It reaffirms our belief that a well-designed label is more than just packaging—it’s a powerful storyteller.

Congratulations again to Kim Kramer, Rachel Tourville, and everyone at Kramer Vineyards. We’re honored to be a part of your journey and excited to continue celebrating everyday successes together!

How to Properly Package Your Label Files in Adobe Illustrator

How to Properly Package Your Label Files in Adobe Illustrator

One of the most common issues we see at Rose City Label is label artwork submitted without all the necessary files. We get it—file prep can be confusing. But don’t worry! We’re here to help you get it right the first time so your labels print perfectly.

When you create a label in Adobe Illustrator, it’s essential to understand that the final .ai file often doesn’t include everything it needs to print correctly—mainly if you’ve used custom fonts or imported images.

Packaging your file is a critical step before you send it to us.

Why You Need to Package Your File

When you send only the Illustrator file:

  • Custom fonts may not display correctly on our end.
  • Linked images may be missing entirely.
  • The layout might shift, causing unexpected print issues.

Packaging gathers all the assets—images, fonts, and artwork—into a single folder. It keeps everything clean, tidy, and ready for print.

How to Package in Adobe Illustrator

Here’s a quick walkthrough:

  1. Open Your Final File: Ensure everything looks correct on your end—images are linked, text is in place, and you’re happy with the design.
  2. Go to File > Package: This tells Illustrator to gather everything needed to reproduce your file correctly.
  3. Choose a Destination: Pick a folder location (like your Desktop), name your package something clear (like Sarat_2023), and make sure these options are selected:
    • ✔ Copy Links
    • ✔ Collect Links in Separate Folder
    • ✔ Include Fonts
    • ✔ Include Linked Files
  4. Click “Package”: Illustrator will create a folder that contains your .ai file, a Links folder for images, and a Fonts folder with any custom typefaces you’ve used.
  5. Zip the Folder: Right-click the new folder and choose “Compress” (Mac) or “Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder” (Windows). This ensures nothing gets lost in transit.

How to Send It to Us

Once zipped, you can send the package in whichever way works best for you:

  • Email
  • FTP
  • Dropbox
  • WeTransfer
  • Or any file-sharing method you prefer!

Taking a few extra minutes to package your file correctly saves time, avoids production delays, and ensures your labels look as great in print as they do on screen.

Thanks for working with us—we’re excited to bring your label to life!

Watch the Tutorial

Label Spotlight: Oak Knoll Pinot Gris – Portland Rose Festival 2023 Collectors Series

Label Spotlight: Oak Knoll Pinot Gris – Portland Rose Festival 2023 Collectors Series

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:

  1. A glass of Pinot Gris is front and center, with Portland’s iconic skyline in the background.
  2. Bold, celebratory patterns and vivid colors capture the festive spirit of the event.
  3. 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!

Label Spotlight: The Art of Distinction – Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey

Label Spotlight: The Art of Distinction – Rogue’s Morimoto Single Malt Whiskey

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.