Attention-grabbing labels

Labels that glow if exposed to sunlight during the day or under LED blue light

Gnarly Head has significantly increased production for this year’s release of two Grateful Dead wines after the group’s momentous farewell tour in the summer.
Family-run Delicato Family Vineyards, which produces the Gnarly Head wines in California, USA, and the Grateful Dead are releasing a limited-edition Old Vine Zinfandel and a Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s the second year for the collaboration, but this year the wines carry two of the band’s most-loved and iconic graphics on embossed labels that glow in the dark if exposed to sunlight during the day or under LED blue light. Both wines are priced at $12.
The Limited-Edition 2021 Gnarly Head x Grateful Dead Old Vine Zinfandel features the Dead’s lovable dancing bears, with the glow design giving the smiling bears a whole new life. Originating from the backcover art on the band’s 1973 album ‘History of the Grateful Dead, Volume One (Bear’s Choice)’, the bears celebrate their 50th anniversary this year.
The Limited-Edition 2021 Gnarly Head x Grateful Dead Cabernet Sauvignon showcases the Grateful Dead’s emblematic ‘Steal Your Face’ design. Swirling lines emanate from the skull in pulsing circles that look even cooler when glowing in a dark room.
“Gnarly Head’s inaugural vintage collaboration with the Grateful Dead last year was a huge success and helped drive 23% dollar growth in sales for the brand,” remarked Andrew Blok, portfolio director for Delicato Family Wines.
He continued: “To meet demand, we’ve significantly increased production for both wines for year two, while maintaining the old vine sourcing for our Zinfandel, which is key to this wine’s fantastic quality and its smooth, juicy richness.” The Zinfandel draws on 35- to 85-year-old-vines grown in California’s Lodi region, while the dark-fruited Cabernet carries a California appellation.


Grateful Dead archivist and legacy manager, David Lemieux, commented: “The Grateful Dead experience has always been one-of-a-kind, so it’s fitting to partner again with Gnarly Head Wines to create one-of-a-kind wine bottles. The music of the Grateful Dead has always invoked connection and authenticity rooted in passion and creativity, much like the California wines crafted by Gnarly Head. I hope our second-year partnership continues to inspire existing and new fans alike to jam out and rejoice in some great music and wine.”
With regard to encouraging buyers to put the wines in the light, Gnarly Head told Canopy: “With the limited-edition wines, we don’t envision anyone holding the bottles under blue light or sunlight in an extensive capacity, eliminating the concern of potential light strike. Instead, we urge people to briefly shine blue light on the labels for the best possible ‘glow’ experience. The occasional or minimal exposure to blue light won’t negatively impact the wine since it is different wavelengths than natural sunlight.
“Under proper storage conditions (out of sunlight and in a temperature-controlled environment), the wine will keep well for about five years. In general, we bottle Gnarly Head in dark bottles to ensure we prevent light strike, plus, red wines are typically less impacted from sunlight than white wines as well.”

‘This new collection is about so much more than the wine itself’

An augmented reality label that supports women’s empowerment

The vivid label on a new line of wines from majority woman-owned C. Mondavi & Family was inspired by a photo of company matriarch Rosa Mondavi (above) from the early 1900s, a time when the women’s rights movement was just beginning.
The label on the new brand Aviana melds history with the latest technology – augmented reality brings Aviana to life. The interactive label, accessed through a QR code on each bottle, allows C. Mondavi & Family to speak to a new demographic.
As the Aviana community holds their phone camera up to the front label, the character animates, sharing fun, uplifting messages. Right from within the augmented reality platform, fans can visit the wine’s social sites, online store, or even learn more about the winery’s charitable partner, Equality Now, an organisation calling for a more just and equal world for women and girls.


Aviana was created by the five great-granddaughters of Rosa Mondavi (above).
“This new collection is about so much more than the wine itself – we wanted to inspire the energy and creativity that comes from connecting with friends, and the new ideas that emerge when travelling and getting out of our comfort zones,” said Giovanna Mondavi, member of the fourth generation of the C. Mondavi family. “The wines each represent a mood and a mindset, all with a dedication to giving back.”
Each $20 wine was selected from a different growing region in Europe. There’s a Verdejo from Spain, a red blend from Portugal, and a Cabernet Sauvignon from France.
“We want to engage a whole new generation of wine lovers, while remaining true to our roots,” said Liz Cohen, brand manager - lifestyle, C. Mondavi & Family. “With our global outlook, use of new technology and a bigger purpose, Aviana is a wine for the future, anchored in a family winemaking legacy.”

‘Aviana is a wine for the future’