Yesterday the inaugural Wine Label Design Awards were launched at Jordan Wine in Stellenbosch. The awards, a first in South Africa, are proudly sponsored by self-adhesive label supplier Rotolabel and are convened by Winemag.co.za – Wine magazine was published from 1993 until 2011 and now lives on in digital form. World Design Capital Cape Town 2014 have endorsed the initiative and At Pace have designed the logo.

The motivation for the competition is to reward outstanding design as an influence on wine purchases. Judging takes place from 27 to 28 January 2015 and all South African wine producers and design studios are invited to enter by the deadline of 21 January. An administration fee of R300 per entry applies.

A distinguished panel has been has been compiled as follows:

Christian Eedes, Editor, Winemag.co.za

Sean Harrison has some 25 years of experience in graphic design and branding. He started Whitespace Creative Direction in 2013 having originally started Code – A Company of Designers in 1995. He is a winner of various national and international awards and has judged at both the Loerie Awards and Cannes Lions Awards.

George Jardine, Executive Chef, Jordan Restaurant
Scottish-born George Jardine began his career in London under Michelin Star chef Jean Christophe Novelli and subsequently headed up top restaurants in Australia, Indonesia and Malasyia. He ran the acclaimed restaurant Jardine in Cape Town’s CBD before opening Jordan Restaurant on Jordan Wine Estate in Stellenbosch in November 2009.

Ivan Oertle, Wine Buyer, Woolworths
Ivan Oertle has been involved in buying wine for leading retailer Woolworths since 1999 and recently became Specialist Wine Buyer responsible for procurement, innovation and development. His studies towards becoming a Cape Wine Master are soon to be completed.

Joanne Thomas, Creative Director: Design, Jupiter Drawing Room
Joanne Thomas is one of the founding partners of The Jupiter Drawing Room Cape Town, one of South Africa’s most successful independent agencies (the WPP group have a minority buy-in of the agency). She has won numerous local and international awards and has extensive judging experience.

Wines will be judged in three categories: 1) under R60 a bottle; 2) over R60 a bottle and 3) labels forming a series – no price constraints.

After official judging, finalists will then be displayed on Winemag.co.za for a set period to allow for consumer voting to determine a “Consumers’ choice” winner.

Please visit www.winemag.co.za for competition details and the entry process