Wines & Vines

CLOSURES them to make retail purchases," Auston recommended. Penniman encouraged clients to enlist him in this task. "Some don't want to bother me with what they may consider unnecessary details. I thrive on detail. I like to see what is on the cork when I open a bottle. If I open a bottle and it has a friendly visual 'thank you,' I have a good feeling for the group who put the experience together." Carson, who collects "interesting" corks for corkboards and vases, said, "Great design on a cork is another differentiation point that should not be overlooked." Cole would prefer that none of his clients use synthetic cork stoppers, though. "I think it harms the perceived value of any wine," he said bluntly. Who do you trust? Even if you consider your winery operation or your budget too small to avail yourself of a professional designer, you can take advantage of their vast 54 W in es & V i ne s AU G U ST 20 13 experience in the field by using the most reputable suppliers for your capsule/ closure needs. Most designers (54%) will work with any supplier to achieve the desired result, but 45% say they recommend specific suppliers: "I've worked with these and know they can produce," this group argued. Auston said, "I only recommend suppliers if the winery asks, or if I feel the current supplier is unable to achieve the look, feel and quality we are trying to achieve." Parham said that for screwcaps, she'll visit the Amcor showroom to look at samples for inspiration. For the high-end tin capsules her clients demand, she likes working with Ramondin and Rivercap. MALA USA provides Penniman's favorite aluminum screwcaps; he also recommends California Capsules. Many of Sterling's North Coast clients Britton Designs' choose Maverick. Maverick's Villa Toscano capsule new rotogravure printing process keeps its swirl even the permits full-color printing of after the bottle is open. artwork on capsules. Q To your knowledge, have any of your clients experienced any application problems applying the capsules/closures on the bottling line? 33% Yes, but we solved them and continued using the same products. 0% Yes: we changed product. 67% No, we've worked those out in advance. Moon considers Ramondin and Stelvin "the premium vendors. They know how to nail a design. Gallo's G3 has done good work, too." Olsen also likes Ramondin, as well as Lafitte and Rivercap. The survey results and comments are a mere sampling of the sound advice packaging designers offer to their clients. Their expertise shared here can benefit wineries of any size, in any market.

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