Issue link: http://winesandvines.uberflip.com/i/670981
May 2016 WINES&VINES 67 PACKAGING "No one can match the speed that we can get orders com- pleted. Our turn-around time is two to three days for single bottles to a case. Larger orders from 13 to 200 bottles are usu- ally completed in under two weeks. Since everything we do is hand-crafted, more complex designs may take a little longer," Ristuccia said. During the holiday season Etch- ing Expressions fills multiple UPS trucks daily. "Mind you, our prod- uct is completely hand-crafted, so it's not like pulling inventory off of a shelf. Every bottle requires some sort of handwork to it, Ristuccia said. Overall sales were up 40% in the past year, he added. For its winery partners, Etching Expressions provides a "no-touch" ordering program through a spe- cial online ordering portal. The wine is sent on consignment, and revenue is split. "Their $15 bottles of wine net them $40 because they are decorated and command a higher price," Ristuccia said. The company etches full or empty bottles, from 187ml to 12- liter sizes and also performs wax dipping (with tear tabs, if re- quested) and blackened bottles for display. Laser-engraved wood boxes are also available. The paint colors used for large-format etched bottles of Justin Winery's Isosce- les red blend are 'extremely custom,' according to Jim Ristuccia, chief operat- ing officer for Etching Expressions in San Diego, Calif.