Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/112023
PACKAGING Trione bucks the trend G alloping horses on the label evoke the thundering hoof print of the super-heavy bottle Trione Vineyards & Winery uses to package its high-end Alexander Valley varietal wines. The winery was launched in 2005, when the Trione family, which has owned and managed Sonoma County vineyards for more than three decades, decided to go vertical. Under the guidance of winemaker Scot Covington, Trione produces some 4,500 cases per year of Pinot Noir, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines, retailing between $30 and $40 per bottle. The package, designed by Jeffrey Caldewey, originally was intended to be something simple, along lines of respected Russian River producer Rochioli Winery. ���It morphed into something more meaningful to us,��� Covington said of the design process. ���The horses on the label, the quasibank-note style are intended to convey a masculine elegance,��� he said. The original winemaker at Trione, Covington had gained experience in the industry and the neighborhood at SonomaCutrer, Marimar Torres and Pellegrini wineries. Trione, Covington said, ���has always planned to do the very best that can be produced in the county.��� This commitment led to the winery���s packaging. It could be considered old fashioned: As much of the industry was transitioning to lightweight bottles, Trione opted for heavyweights from Saverglass. ���The weight of the glass is important,��� says Trione winemaker Scot Covington. 42 W in es & V i ne s M AR C H 20 13