12 GODS | Terra Di Costi winery by Sowl Creative Studio

12 GODS” Myth, nature, and luxury in designing premium wine labels.
This study explores the strategic choices our team made to make the “12 GODS” wine label stand out in the wine industry. The label is a visual novel of mythology, nature, and design precision.

The product
“12 GODS” is a fine wine of three excellent varieties. It is produced and bottled at Terra Di Costi winery in Gonoi, Larissa. The name of the wine is an ode to the pantheon of Olympus and Greek mythology.

Varieties
Each one of the three “12 GODS” varieties is known for its own unique character.The white wine (Malagouzia – Chardonnay) has a golden color. The rose (Syrah) has a lively and crystal pink color. The red (Syrah) has a deep purple hue.

The goal
We considered three main pillars for creating the label’s branding:

1. Refer to the roots of the product: mythology, nature, and traditional stories from the area of production.
2. Maintain consistency in the label design of each variety. The aim was to keep brand cohesion but make each variety’s label highly distinctive.
3. Opt for elegant, minimal, and luxurious aesthetics that reflect the high quality of the product.
4. Achieve targeted placement of wine information.

The rationale

1. The inspiration comes from the name of the wine, “12 GODS,” which refers to the deities of Mount Olympus.

To create our design, we didn’t use any picture of Mount Olympus. Instead, we focused on featuring Zeus’ throne at Mytikas, the mountain’s highest peak. We researched mythology, local traditions, and stories to uncover a unique myth. Climbers and locals believe that each morning, at sunrise, the shadows on the mountain’s peak form the face of Zeus. They say it appears as if Zeus is looking towards the hill where his throne is placed. The label thus points to this phenomenon, skillfully connecting the wine to its origins.

1. All three bottles containing the different varieties needed to be consistent in terms of label design. This would form a cohesive “family”. Each variety has a specific color representation on the hot foil stamping, which signals its content.

In the case of the white wine bottle, the dominant color on the hot foil is golden. Meanwhile, the rosé and red bottles have distinct hues. Deep bronze and rich metallic red differentiate each variety.

1. Typography dynamics are ideal for visual communication. Our combinations guarantee the label’s timeless appeal. Plus, convey a sense of affordable luxury.
2. We established a clear visual hierarchy in the label typography. And followed a minimalist yet comprehensive approach. Selecting the right font and strategically positioning the text on the label boosts readability. This makes it easier for consumers to access the information.

The result
The “12 GODS” label transcends mere visual excellence. It harmoniously combines divine inspiration, natural beauty, and meticulous design. From the mythical realms of Olympus to the hands of wine connoisseurs, the label takes you on a journey through time and flavor. While effectively capturing the essence of the wine’s distinctiveness.