Yesterday, a winery client called us about a huge wine order. The customer plans to use the wine at a fundraiser, then again at a milestone anniversary celebration a few months later.

They need a gorgeous label.

The wine sale is already secured. Our conversation was about creating packaging worthy of the occasions—and those receiving the bottles.

One customer. Two events. A huge wine sale!

Who in your community is planning something that could warrant that kind of wine purchase? Do they know you can help?

At Sara Nelson Design, we’re seeing a sharp increase in private label projects. Interesting orders are coming from businesses and organizations with something to celebrate, people to thank and a budget to do it well.

There’s an occasion behind the order

A company celebrating its 100th anniversary, purchased significant quantities of wine from its favorite winery to create commemorative “Founders’ Edition” sets.

We created six distinct but cohesive labels, each honoring one of the company’s founders, along with presentation boxes that bring the wines together as gifts for anniversary party guests.

Guests will receive something made specifically for the celebration, telling a story that connects them to the company’s history along with a personal note of appreciation.

Another private label project will serve as a thank-you to people instrumental in developing a premier golf course. We’ve also worked on custom labels for multiple universities and for other nonprofit fundraising auctions.

The most elaborate project we’ve been involved with featured handmade terracotta wine bottles with leather neck tags, presented to celebrity guests at an exclusive event at a private villa in Italy.

Where is your opportunity? You might want to have a conversation with the business owner who’s been in your wine club for a few years to see what occasions might be on the horizon.

Give them a reason to order

Your customers may love your wine and still have no idea you can create something custom for them. You may need to help them make the connection. Is a longtime business approaching a milestone anniversary? Is a university (or foundation) recognizing major donors? Is a nonprofit gearing up for a fundraiser?

Show them what’s possible: a commemorative bottle for every guest, a boxed collection for major contributors, a custom magnum for an auction or a thank-you gift for the people who brought a major project to completion. We can personalize every bottle if that would add value.

Bring a compelling examples. A finished bottle or presentation box gives someone something to pick up, examine and imagine giving.

Start with those who know your wine: club members who own businesses, corporate customers and organizations that have hosted events at your winery. Find out what they have coming up—and who is making the purchasing decisions.

Make the presentation worth the occasion

A company celebrating 100 years has a century of work, relationships and pride behind it. The gift should reflect that.

Thoughtful design connects the wine to the people and purpose behind the purchase. The story on the label, the feel of the paper, the printing details and the presentation all contribute to its value.

Done well, the bottle can live in one's cellar or display for years after the celebration—serving as a lovely reminder of the occasion.

The right solution might be a beautifully designed label. It might be a six-bottle collection in a custom box. Bring us into the conversation early so you can offer choices that suit the customer’s budget and deadline. Labels can be turned around fairly quickly. Boxes take longer.

Who should you call?

Take a look at your customer list. Who has something to celebrate, people to thank or a cause to support?

Reach out with an idea that fits their occasion. Show them what you can create together and make it easy to get started.

They already know they like your wine. Give them a reason to order it by the case—or by the pallet!

Then give us a call. We’d love to work with you and your customer create a package worthy of the occasion. 509-545-4584