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The Barrel 700mL from the Estal Wild Glass collection

Why Glass Color Matters for Wine and Spirits Preservation

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For winemakers and distillers, crafting exceptional beverages is only part of the journey. To ensure your product maintains its premium quality and reaches consumers in perfect condition, the preservation of both its taste and appearance is critical. This is where the often-overlooked factor of glass color comes into play.

The color of your bottle can have a profound impact on the longevity, flavor stability, and overall appeal of your wine or spirit. By understanding how different glass colors protect against light damage, you can make more informed packaging choices that safeguard your product’s quality and enhance its shelf life.

In this article, we’ll explore the science behind glass color and light exposure, explain how traditional and modern glass choices can protect your product, and provide insights into balancing practical preservation needs with aesthetic considerations. Whether you’re crafting aged whiskey or fine wine, the right glass color is more than just a design decision – it can be a crucial element in preserving the quality of your product.

The team at Global Package has built its reputation as a trusted name in glass packaging through over 30 years of expertise and a forward-thinking approach. Our portfolio is designed to meet the diverse needs of winemakers and distillers, offering everything from versatile off-the-shelf options to cutting-edge designs that set brands apart.

Signature features like the Specialty Sommelier, designed for precision pouring, and the striking Doble Alto, which elevates shelf presence with its bold, double-base design, deliver both functionality and aesthetic impact. For brands seeking something uniquely their own, our fully customized solutions provide unmatched creative freedom.

Through close partnerships with leading designers and marketers, we’re constantly developing standout packaging that helps clients capture attention in today’s fast-changing market—all while staying aligned with your brand’s goals and budget.

The Impact of Light on Wine 

While a beautifully lit display might entice customers, exposure to light, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light, can be detrimental to the quality of wine. Exposure to UV light triggers chemical reactions in wine, producing unpleasant ‘lightstruck’ aromas – often described as reminiscent of rotting leaves, cooked cabbage, or even a struck match. 

The interaction between light and wine sets off a chain reaction which results in formation of hydrogen sulphide and mercaptans. The human palate is highly sensitive to these compounds, detecting them at incredibly low concentrations, making their presence impossible to ignore. Just an hour of direct sunlight can noticeably alter the flavor of certain varieties of wine.

Different types of wine are impacted by light in varying ways. White, sparkling, and rosé wines are generally more vulnerable to light damage than red wines.  This difference is attributed to the higher tannin content in red wines, as tannins act as protective agents against this photochemical degradation.

The Impact of Light on Spirits

Light exposure not only threatens the appearance of spirits but can also influence how they are perceived and enjoyed. For aged spirits like bourbon and scotch, color is more than just cosmetic—it’s a vital part of the product’s identity and sensory allure. A deep amber or mahogany hue evokes complexity, richness, and quality, shaping consumer expectations even before the first sip.

When light exposure results in a noticeable loss of color, it disrupts this critical visual cue. Even if the flavor remains intact, the diminished vibrancy can lead consumers to assume the spirit lacks the depth or maturity they associate with darker tones. This perception isn’t superficial; color often correlates with the flavor experience in the mind of the drinker, setting the stage for how the spirit is judged.

On a chemical level, UV and blue light exposure triggers photochemical reactions that can degrade the spirit’s components. For example, amino acids and phenolic compounds interact with light, causing changes that lead to color fading. These reactions may also result in the production of undesirable sulphides or promote oxidation, subtly altering the flavor profile over time.

For white spirits like vodka and gin, which are bottled in clear glass to showcase their clarity, the risk is less immediate due to their stable composition. However, prolonged exposure to intense light can still compromise their pristine appearance, leading to a flat or dulled look. While this might not affect their taste directly, it can detract from their appeal, particularly in markets where presentation plays a significant role in purchasing decisions.

Wine and Spirit Bottles from Estal

Preventing Light Damage to Wine and Spirits

Understanding these scientific principles is fundamental for wine and spirit producers when considering which glass bottle is ideal for their product. By considering these factors and making informed choices about packaging and storage, producers can effectively mitigate the risks of light damage and ensure that their beverages reach consumers in optimal condition.

Choose the Right Glass Bottle Color

Amber glass offers the best protection against UV rays, acting as a natural barrier that prevents harmful light from reaching the product inside. On the other hand, clear glass, although popular for aesthetic reasons, offers minimal protection, making it an important consideration for wineries or distilleries prioritizing display over preservation.

Reduce the Amount of Exposed Glass

Bottles with larger labels, unique shapes, or thicker glass can effectively reduce the amount of light that comes into direct contact with the product. By using packaging that incorporates more opaque or covered surfaces, producers add an extra layer of protection, ensuring the integrity of the wine or spirit is preserved even when displayed under bright lights.

Anticipate Type of Light Source and Proximity

The type and proximity of the light source are key factors in light exposure. While direct sunlight is the most damaging, artificial light sources – such as LED and fluorescent bulbs – can also have a negative impact, particularly when the bottle spends extended periods of time in proximity.

At Global Package, we understand that exceptional packaging requires both product integrity and brand storytelling. Our innovative glass solutions combine cutting-edge design, sustainability, and functionality to protect the quality of your wines and spirits while elevating their market appeal. Whether through superior UV protection, custom-crafted aesthetics, or unique features like the Doble Alto’s dual-tiered base, we partner with producers to ensure their beverages not only stand out but stand the test of time. 

How to Choose the Best Glass Color for Your Wines

Choosing the right glass color for wine bottles is a delicate balancing act between preserving the integrity of the wine and appealing to the discerning eye of the consumer. Global Package understands that every detail matters, and we’re here to guide you through the nuances of selecting the ideal color for your wines.

Dark green glass, historically the only choice due to iron impurities in early glassmaking techniques, now retains its popularity for its UV-blocking properties—an advantage that continues to protect wines today.

As technology has advanced, glassmakers gained greater control over color and clarity, offering winemakers a broader palette to work with. This opened up a world of possibilities, allowing producers to select colors that not only protected their wines but also enhanced their brand image and shelf appeal.

Specialty Sommelier from Estal

Green Glass Bottles for Wine 

The traditional choice used for red wines, antique green offers excellent UV protection. Filtering over 90% of UV light, antique green remains the top choice for wines requiring long-term protection, shielding the tannins and other delicate compounds from light damage. Antique green also carries a classic, premium aesthetic that resonates with traditional wine branding.

Amber Glass Bottles for Wine

Although less common in wine packaging, amber glass provides the most robust UV protection. It can be a smart choice for producers of delicate white or sparkling wines, especially for products stored or displayed in light-heavy environments. The rich, amber hue signals a commitment to preserving quality, even if it breaks with conventional expectations.

Flint Glass Bottles for Wine

Clear glass is particularly popular for rosé and white wines, where showcasing the wine’s color is part of its appeal. While it provides no UV protection, its transparency creates an eye-catching display that influences purchasing decisions. 

Wild Glass Bottles for Wine

For winemakers balancing sustainability, wine preservation, and aesthetics, Wild Glass is a standout option. The sustainable packaging option from Estal, It is made from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass.  Both light and dark variations offers UV protection and stunning visible appeal:

  • Wild Dark Glass is made from a blend of antique green glass and other dark colors. Its rich color makes it an ideal choice for safeguarding wines from light strike while maintaining a premium look.
  • Wild Flint Glass combines clarity with UV filtration from minerals that create a natural green-blue tint. This makes it perfect for rosé and white wines, which benefit both from the protection and the visibility.

Explore the Wild Glass Collection for Wines.

Global Package’s team of experts is dedicated to helping you make informed decisions that align with your brand vision and product requirements. We understand the complexities of the wine industry and are committed to providing solutions that enhance both the quality and the marketability of your wines.

The Best Glass Colors for Preserving Spirits

In the world of spirits, just like wine, the choice of glass color goes beyond mere aesthetics. It’s a strategic decision that impacts the longevity, flavor, and ultimately, the perceived value of your product. Recognizing this, Global Package provides expertly designed glass solutions tailored to the specific needs of spirit producers, offering a carefully curated selection of colored glass bottles designed to showcase and safeguard the essence of your spirits.

Farm 700mL from Estal’s Wild Glass Collection

Amber Glass Bottles for Spirits

For spirits matured in oak barrels and darker liqueurs, amber glass is the ultimate protector. Its rich, dark hue effectively blocks UV rays, preserving the intricate flavors and aromas developed during aging. This makes it essential for dark spirits like whiskey and rum, where oxidation can compromise both flavor and color, diminishing the spirit’s distinct character.

Green Glass Bottles for Spirits

Traditionally linked to wine, green glass also has its place in spirits packaging, offering moderate UV protection. It’s ideal for spirits less vulnerable to light exposure or designed for quicker consumption. From gin and vodka to liqueurs and apéritifs, green glass provides a versatile solution that balances protection with aesthetics.

Flint Glass Bottles for Spirits

For spirits like vodka where clarity is key, flint glass is the top choice. Its transparency showcases the spirit’s pristine appearance, reflecting its refined craftsmanship. While it lacks UV protection, this is less critical for these chemically stable spirits. However, proper storage remains essential to ensure quality over time.

Wild Glass Bottles for Spirits

For distillers seeking packaging that combines sustainability, UV protection, and a distinctive aesthetic, Wild Glass is an innovative choice. Made by Estal from 100% post-consumer recycled (PCR) glass, it offers both environmental benefits and standout appeal:

  • Wild Dark Glass is crafted from antique green and amber glass blends, providing exceptional UV protection. Its bold color and texture make it a strong candidate for spirits requiring preservation and a premium, artisanal appearance.
  • Wild Flint Glass merges clarity with sustainability, retaining the natural imperfections that enhance its character. Its subtle green-blue tint adds a unique twist to traditional flint glass, making it a great choice for spirits that rely on visibility while still benefiting from some UV filtration.

Explore the Wild Glass Collection for Spirits

Global Package’s team of experts stands ready to guide you through the process of selecting the perfect glass color for your spirits. We’re committed to helping you create a packaging solution that not only preserves the integrity of your product but also captivates consumers and elevates your brand presence on the shelf.

Elevate your Glass Packaging

Choosing the right glass color for your wine or spirits is far more than a design decision – it’s an essential step in preserving the quality and extending the shelf life of your product. Whether you’re protecting delicate flavors from UV damage with amber or green glass, or showcasing the clarity of a premium spirit in flint glass, the impact on your product’s integrity and market appeal cannot be underestimated.

As a commercial producer, understanding the science behind glass color and light exposure gives you a powerful tool in ensuring that your beverages reach consumers in optimal condition. Global Package is here to help you navigate this crucial choice, offering a range of glass solutions tailored to your needs. By selecting the right packaging, you not only safeguard your product but also enhance its visual impact, ensuring your brand stands out and providing quality customers can trust.

Invest in glass that protects, preserves, and promotes your product – because the right choice can make all the difference.

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Ready to bring your vision to life? Let Global Package be your partner in crafting a truly exceptional product experience. Email us at sales@globalpackage.net, or call us on +1 707 224-5670 to start a conversation about your packaging needs.

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In Their Own Words: Part Two by Erica Harrop

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As I wrote in our last WIN newsletter entry, we’ve received many wonderfully affirming comments from designers with whom I, and my team at Global Package, have worked over the years. This time I’d like to feature Tina Carpenter, founder and principal of Carpenter Creative. Here are some of Tina’s thoughts, in her own words:

“I met Erica when I moved with my husband, who is a winemaker, from Chicago, Illinois to Napa over 20 years ago. She was working with Saver Glass at the time and I had just started with Colonna Farrell Design. While I was mostly responsible for timelines and logistics, I watched her unrelenting attention to detail at every step of the process.

“Since starting my own design studio, Carpenter Creative, in 2002, Erica and I have worked together on a dozen or so projects. One project, which is still underway, has been one of the most complex I’ve ever worked on, with elaborate decoration embellishments, as well as a custom glass mold.

“The client wanted to reimagine an old bottle he had discovered, so we worked with him to create a shape that echoed the old bottle, yet was emblazoned with his own brand identity. He also wanted to create a sense of discovery for his buyers, so we designed several nuanced treatments of a custom drip bead and a raised logo crest in the proprietary glass mold.

“Erica and her team always bring uncommon knowledge and indispensible resources to every project. Even for complex projects involving many types of embellishment and variations, she patiently and expertly helps to bring the final vision to fruition. I am indebted to her and her team.”

It’s such a pleasure to work with a designer like Tina! She epitomizes the unique blend of creativity and practicality that distinguishes the best in her field. And I am especially indebted to my suppliers who are so innovative and work with great care to accomplish the feats the designers envision. After Tina and the Global Package team submitted drawings of prospective bottle shapes, these wonderful suppliers provided physical samples for us to show the client. Now in the final stages of production, we all look forward to launching this exciting new brand into the marketplace. So stay tuned, there is more to come.

Find part one here.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

In Their Own Words: Part One by Erica Harrop

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I’ve recently been receiving some wonderful feedback from designers with whom I’ve worked over many years, so I thought I’d share a few. Here’s one from Tony Auston, founder and creative director of Auston Design Group in Oakland, CA. Auston has designed labels and packaging for some of the region’s leading wine and spirits brands, including Dry Creek Vineyard, Gnarly Head, and Bogle Vineyards, among others.  He has worked with me for over 25 years and it has always been a pleasure to work with him.  He is exceptional at creative design and respects the input of the bottle maker, which is crucial to get a project moving forward and across the finish line. Here’s Tony in his own words:

  “Erica and I met in the early 1990s while I was working on the brand development and package design program for the former Carneros Alambic Distillery. She was t

he Brandy Maker at that time. Soon after that she made the decision to quit the production side and move to the supply side of the wine and spirits industry, starting in sales at Saver Glass. Many years later she founded Global Package.

            Erica and her team have been a valuable resource to me. As a designer, I have to consider all options available to me, so I rarely work with just one glass suppl

ier. While I sometimes may not use her glass that doesn’t mean we aren’t working together on a project. Her vast knowledge of the ins and outs of the industry is of great value to our process.

            We have spent the last few years working together to develop our proprietary custom bottle design for a new high-end vodka brand. Throughout the project, there were plenty of hurtles to clear in the engineering and production process. Erica and her team’s ability to guide us through those challenges was essential to getting a final package design that we and the client are very proud of.”

At Global Package we love working with designers who are creatively inspired, yet clear-eyed about production practicalities, and Tony is a perfect example. He is an exceptional designer and at the same time understands technical production aspects. During our most recent project together—a spirits bottle— we incorporated many elements of decoration and shape to achieve a stunningly unique package, which we’ll be able to feature when the brand launches at the end of the year!

Other similarly creative projects for the wine industry have employed many of the new glass developments Global Package has brought to the US, such as Estal’s Wild Glass ™, and the innovative Sommelier™ ring style bottle. The new Limerick Lane custom bottle is just one recent example of the sommelier ring.  We are proud of our work with outstanding designers like Tony Auston and enjoy the collaboration which brings real innovation to the wine and spirits industries!

Find part two here.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Good News About Bad Actors by Erica Harrop, CEO Global Package

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After reading a recent piece in the trade newsletter, www.retailleader.com , I was encouraged to learn that the DOJ’s Antitrust Division and the FBI have launched an initiative to “deter, detect, and prosecute those who would exploit the supply chain disruptions.” This has led to the “formation of a working group with global partners, including the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, the Canadian Competition Bureau, the New Zealand Commerce Commission and the United Kingdom Competition and Markets Authority.”

It’s appalling that there are companies and individuals who are taking advantage of the supply chain situation created post-Covid, and are lining their own pockets by fixing prices and overcharging customers. But it is good news that the government will track down and prosecute these bad actors. However, we are still bedeviled by stalled ships and late shipments, ratcheting up a future of higher prices for everything.

A recent review of my daily shipping logs confirms this. Particularly interesting in a recent log is the Drifting vs Anchor vs Arrived ships. Dates for ETAs are surreal as they are past due, and delays are 30 to 45 days beyond scheduled arrival date. The Drifting category is why none of us know what to expect. Unfortunately, I believe these Issues are likely to last a long while, probably up to the end of the year.

International experts expect similar long-lasting supply chain bottlenecks. While the German publication Wein.plus Wine Magazine recently assessed the 2022 outlook for the international wine industry as positive, they said it with this important caveat: “…cost increases and supply chain disruptions are perceived as a threat.” ((https://magazine.wein.plus/news/). Now, of course, we have the Russia-Ukraine conflict added to the threats.

On another front, industry analysts say that climate change and stricter environmental regulations are concerning producers even more than trade issues, believing they will have a much longer and more profound impact on the health of the industry.
So what to do? Since the beginning of the pandemic—even long before—we at Global Package initiated and solidified partnerships, both domestic and international, to ensure our manufacturers and suppliers are allied in a supportive, strong, sustainable, and close-knit network of resources for us.

A primary example of these strong relationships is Estal, a glass customization specialist, with which we have worked for years and which has consistently led with innovative designs and production practices. Pre-pandemic, Estal introduced its beautiful and ecological Wild Glass™ line of bottles to an enthusiastic US and international market. These bottles are 100% sustainable “real cycled” glass bottles that are one-of-a-kind, since slight imperfections in the natural formation of the glass are allowed to remain, while retaining all the manufacturing positives of automated glass, much like organic handmade art. Estal’s process also doesn’t discard bottles with cosmetic defects, which reduces the discard rate from 25% to 15%.

Global Package also offers Estal’s Sommelier Mouth (SM) bottles, which feature an anti-drip barrier and groove guides to facilitate a clean, straight cut of the capsule. The line includes the Essentia Burgundy, Bordeaux, and fluted Espiga bottles. All are available in Flint, Wild Glass, and Antique options.

And further addressing environmental concerns, Global Package has in stock the full line of Elegant Light™ bottles, lighter weight bottles that result in more economical and ecological shipping, and which come in the full range of classical shapes and colors.
Yes, these are trying times. But working with a trusted and competent supplier will help relieve the stress of uncertainty. We invite you to learn more about all that Global Package has to offer.

Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

Crafting Unique and Sustainable Bottles With Erica Harrop of Global Package

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The podcast Legends behind the Craft, hosted by Drew Hendricks, delves into the world of craft beverages. Drew interviews top leaders in the wine and craft beverage industry. Drew is the president of Barrels Ahead, a marketing agency specializing in Web Design, SEO, and PPC within the wine and craft spirits industry. 

This week’s episode features Global Package LLC President and CEO Erica Harrop, to find out more about the bottle-making process. Her expertise is invaluable as they cover topics such as sourcing, the evolution of the industry, and how Global Package customizes their bottles. They also dive into “wild glass” and what it means for sustainability in the world of glassmaking, and designing environmentally-friendly glass and packaging. 

You will also learn how Erica transitioned from winemaking to glass, what inspires her, and how Global Package is set apart from the rest of the industry. 

You can listen to the podcast here. 

 

 

Create Your Own Mold? Global Package Has Answers

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According to Global Package LLC President and CEO, Erica Harrop, there are good reasons to consider developing your own bottle mold. First, the international shipping chaos continues and, in some instances, is getting worse as the backlog of orders and shipping containers remains unabated. While Global Package has a ready supply of in-stock bottles available to customers to meet demand this season, the logjam is certainly limiting choice. “So, depending on your brand’s needs and budget, now may the perfect time to consider a new look with a new mold,” says Harrop.

Global Package has many partners with whom they work on behalf of customers to design and engineer custom bottle molds that will elevate a brand’s presence on the retail shelf and in restaurant settings. Beginning with a thorough understanding of a company’s brand marketing strategy, Global Package’s experts help to determine projected volume and price/cost ratios. From there, they will work step-by-step with customers throughout the manufacturing process, including evaluation of materials and timelines, as well as ensuring quality control measures are diligently followed throughout the process. “The end result is a bottle that is inspired, reflecting your brand and resonating with consumers,” says Harrop, adding that her company’s value-added services include 1:1 consultations to advise and implement every aspect of the packaging process.

“We also have gorgeous standard bottles on hand, if that’s your preference,” Harrop stresses. “In fact, one of long-term supply partners, Spain-based Estal, just introduced its 750ml Opera bottle that builds on its DobleAlto collection, sporting a double base that increases the height of the bottle—and thus shelf presence—but without adding weight. The Opera bottle, like the others in the DobleAlto™ collection, also features a Track-Ring that contributes to the bottle’s sleek shape.

“We are fortunate to have planned ahead so we’ve avoided many of the supply chain hurdles now affecting the industry,” Harrop maintains. “In addition to our DobleAlto™ collection, we also have our Elegant Light™ and beautiful one-of-a-kind Wild Glass™ collections. Call or come by for a visit …we’re at your service.”

 

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Global Package, located in the Napa Valley, is experienced in supplying high-end wine and spirits glass bottles to North American markets. With a comprehensive off-the-shelf portfolio, and the opportunity for customization and decoration, Global Package can assist your brand with the most appropriate solution whatever your budget or expectations. From glass bottles, bottle decorations, pewter labels, to bar top closures and corks, Global Package can assist with your project. Start your packaging journey today by calling +1 707 224-567 or emailing info@globalpackage.net.

A Personal Message from Global Package’s Erica Harrop

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I have been in the Napa wine industry for many years, beginning with my first job in 1984 in Carneros, working forimage Jack Davies at his brand new distillery. In 1987 I took my first job on the glass side of the industry, at Demptos Glass (see attached photo). Anyone who has been to Napa/Sonoma knows that this is one of the most beautiful places in the world …I have been so very lucky to live here!

I woke up on Monday morning to the heart-breaking news about the Glass fire and all the damage it was inflicting on our beloved wineries, in both Napa and Sonoma counties. We now are finding out that many of the people who work in our industry will be professionally and personally affected for a long time to come. Dream jobs have gone up in flames, aspirations have evaporated, and extraordinarily beautiful and iconic properties have been destroyed.

I want to express my deepest sorrow for my friends at Castello Di Amorosa and Chateau Boswell for their losses. I am so hoping there will not be more sadness to follow.

When so many classic wineries are gone it affects all of us, all of those businesses and jobs that are still standing. Along with many in our region, I know that losing Meadowood Resort is a huge, devastating loss. Many winemakers have been fortunate to be a part of WineTech, a group founded back in the ‘70s. We have all been fortunate to enjoy the generosity of Meadowood and its leaders, who have allowed us to sit at their table and be part of their amazing world. Thank you, Meadowood, for all you have given us through the years. Please know that we all will be there with you as we begin to rebuild this beautiful valley!

Global Package

Glass Weight is Just One Factor Driving Successful Packaging

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By Erica Harrop

I read with interest the Packaging Survey Report in the latest issue of Wine Business Monthly, and would like to add my thoughts on the topic. My first point is an obvious one: there are many factors, not just glass weight, that influence a consumer’s decision to purchase a wine. While heavier bottles do confer a ‘luxury’ aspect to a wine, they aren’t the most important determination for a buyer. The reputation of the brand, the label’s ability to compellingly tell the brand’s story, and, critically, the strength of the overall bottle’s design to complement every aspect of the brand’s packaging are significant influencers.

Global Package is particularly skilled at bringing all these aspects together into a cohesive packaging composition. Our years-long partnership with our glass suppliers has resulted in many innovative designs that have boosted client sales: The Sommelier bottle that features an anti-drip barrier and a ‘sommelier’ groove, which facilities a clean, straight cut of the capsule. The DobleAlto® model that features a double ‘podium’ base, which increases the presence and perceived value of the wine. And the new award-winning Wild Glass line of bottles, which are not only sustainable and 100% PCR, but each bottle is unique, like a work of art.

Bottle decoration also plays an important role in buyer appeal. Our nearly 15-year partnership with Etiq’Etains allows us to offer clients a full range of pewter labels in three distinct categories—Natural (silver), Luxury (gold, bronze, copper), and Modern (many colors, including blue, red, yellow, green, brown, black). Each brings its own attributes to amplify a wine’s brand.

Yes, glass weight does help define quality but it is far from the only contributing factor. Design aspects, especially those on heavier bottles, are equally important. We also know that new glass designs are continually being developed and research shows that early adopters of new design concepts are doing better than those not adapting to change. Our continued work with these and other innovative suppliers assures our and our clients’ future success.

Sustainability is increasingly gaining traction with wine buyers, so wineries are also well advised to consider that trend in packaging decisions. Our recent case study on Acquiesce Winery detailed this winery’s focus on reducing its carbon footprint, choosing lighter weight bottles that saved the winery approximately 12,600 pounds per year in glass, or four ounces per bottle. It also selected shipping cartons that are 100% recyclable paper and pulp. As mentioned above, Estal’s Wild Glass collection of bottles can also be a good solution for wineries seeking more ecological-friendly packaging.

Finally, Chinese glass has proven to be an integral part of the industry, providing affordable and very good, consistent quality that has helped our industry when domestic and European supply shortages occur. Our long-term relationships with Chinese glass suppliers have provided our clients with outstanding options, such as our Elegant Light ™ line of European-style bottle shapes at affordable pricing and featuring a wide neck that defines higher-end wines along with elegant straight lines.

So, Global Package has it all …affordable stock bottles in standard shapes and colors, domestic and European glass, and custom molds for one-of-a-kind bottles for the premium wine market. We welcome your inquiries and invite you to visit our Napa showroom. We remain open during Covid-19, adhering to strict protocols.

 

Enhancing Elegance in Packaging While Reducing Carbon Footprint

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Winemaker Sue Tipton knew it was time for a change. She had to address some packaging concerns she was learning about from customers and retailers. But she also needed to approach the updates without disrupting the brand’s iconic bottle design.

She and her husband, Rodney, opened Acquiesce Winery in 2012. After being inspired by the famed Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines on a visit to the Southern Rhone region of France, she decided to focus on white Rhone varietals. Their vineyard started with four acres of white Rhone grapes and, over the next eight years, they planted an additional 6.5 acres of white Rhone varietals with plans for another 5 acres next year. Today, the winery produces 4,000 cases/year.

Since opening, the winery has packaged its wine in a unique bowling pin-shaped flint glass bottle, with a deep punt. “While I loved the original eye-catching design, the unusual shape made the bottles somewhat challenging to display on market shelving and to store in standard wine racks,” Sue says. “That was one factor influencing the update decision.”

In early April 2019 Sue reached out to her glass supplier, Global Package, to explore these concerns. As the winery had grown in size, it now needed to find a practical solution to address the bottle’s balance, display, and storage issues, while retaining the unique, elegant bottle shape so identified with the brand.

The Tipton’s desire to lower the winery’s carbon footprint was another very important goal. “This was a huge motivator for us,” Sue adds. “Our vineyards are sustainable and we wanted to carry that ethic throughout our operations.”

To achieve these objectives, Sue called upon Global Package’s owner and CEO, Erica Harrop. She had worked with Harrop in 2011 when she purchased the original bottle. “Over the years we’d heard from winemakers, winery owners, and others that Erica was still the best in the business,” says Sue. “After we met to discuss the project in February 2019, I got the first drawing of the updated design the end of March.”

A custom mold drawing was created and Sue received a 3-D model of the bottle. It was a sleeker design, without a punt for better balance, but with the winery’s Lady Acquiesce logo embossed on the bottom. According to Sue, the meaning of the logo reinforces the winery’s focus on the environment  …”to acquiesce, or surrender to Mother Nature, to submit to the vineyard and the grapes so they are allowed to present their true character.”

The new streamlined glass bottles are significantly lighter weight, which saves the winery approximately 12,600 pounds per year in glass, or four ounces per bottle, without sacrificing the same 750ml of wine per bottle. In addition, cases are shipped in cartons that are 100% recyclable paper and pulp. All are measures that have substantially reduced the winery’s carbon footprint.

“We couldn’t have done it without Erica’s expert guidance,” Sue emphasizes. “Her knowledge, attention to detail and accessibility gave me confidence that we would meet all our goals and the glass would be ready in time for bottling the 2019 vintage. As in all significant projects with lots of moving pieces and multiple players, there were challenges, but Erica was diligent in addressing each one with the appropriate level of required urgency. We love the result and the feedback from our loyal customers confirms the success of the project. We will continue to partner with Global Package going forward.”

Acquiesce’s world-class white wines have recently captured industry honors: In 2020, the winery was awarded Best of Class for its Viognier at the invitation-only American Fine Wine Competition (AFWC). In 2019, it received Double Gold Medals for its Ingénue, Clairette Blanche, Grenache Blanc, and Picpoul Blanc wines.

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Acquiesce Winery is located in the Lodi Appellation of California, and offers award-winning premium white and rosé wines lovingly created in small batches. Vines are sourced from the famed Château de Beaucastel of Châteauneuf du Pape, France, exhibiting a timeless elegance that’s fused with great fruit expression, thanks to Lodi’s sandy soils and Mediterranean climate. Its unique wines are carefully crafted using the best Rhône varietals: Grenache Blanc, Picpoul Blanc, Roussanne, Viognier, Clairette Blanche, Bourboulenc, Belle Blanc (white blend) and Grenache Rosé.

A Huge Shout Out to Wineries!

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Napa, CA  May 27, 2020 — Erica Harrop, President and CEO of Global Package LLC, applauds all those wineries that are out there making decisions and moving forward in these challenging times. Their efforts will help the economy recover more quickly as businesses gradually reopen and regain their footing as the lifeblood of a healthy America.

All of us at Global Package support you and here to help in any way we can. All of us truly are interconnected and in this together!