Entries for the seventh annual Wine Label Design Awards, the fourth annual Beer Label Design Awards, and the second annual Spirits Label Design Awards are now open.

The awards, convened by Winemag.co.za, are proudly sponsored by self-adhesive label supplier Rotolabel, who has been associated with this initiative since its inception. The awards also welcomes Avery Dennison, who join Synchron and Kemtek | HP Indigo as secondary sponsors. Stellenbosch design studio GR\FT is responsible for collateral material.

The motivation for the competition is to reward outstanding design as an influence on wine, beer, and spirit purchases, and all South African wine, beer, and spirit producers, as well as design studios, are invited to enter by the deadline of Wednesday 3 November 2021. An entry fee depending on the category applies.

Judges have been appointed to represent the various drinks sectors and design – to view biographies, click here.

Wines will be judged in four categories:

  1. under R80 a bottle
  2. over R80 a bottle
  3. over R500 a bottle
  4. labels forming a series – no price constraints.

Beers will be judged in two categories:

  1. single labels
  2. labels forming a series.

Spirits will be judged in two categories:

  1. single labels
  2. labels forming a series.

Judging criteria include originality of concept, execution, shelf appeal, and effectiveness as a piece of communication. A series is defined as a sequence of products that combine to greater the whole than the sum of the parts.Wine, beer, and spirits must be produced in South Africa and be commercially available, while the minimum stock requirement is 50 six-bottle cases. Each entry must be accompanied by a 150-word creative rationale.

After official judging, finalists will then be displayed on Winemag.co.za for a set period to allow for consumer voting to determine a “People’s Choice” winner. The award ceremony takes place on 2 December 2021.

To enter wine, click here. To enter beer, click here. To enter spirits, click here.

Entries close on Wednesday, 3 November.

To view the results of the Label Design Awards 2020, click here.