In 2012, when Paul Brunner and his family took over the pioneering Blue Grouse Estate Winery on Vancouver island, they could not have predicted what they would undertake over the next seven years.
Investments include major upgrades to the winery and property, going organic, and now, this season, the evolution of Blue Grouse includes a label refresh. Photos here.
Rapid Evolution
The inspiring story began with modernizing the winery, tasting room and upgrading the vineyard infrastructure. Constructing the beautiful LEED standard sustainable winery and adding stunning on-site accommodation for the lucky island traveler was next. All the while, the team made its move to organic farming, engaged an international terroir consultant Pedro Parra, and is practicing to terroir-driven winemaking.
Showing a strong leadership position for Vancouver Island, the winery is involved in many first-of-its-kind projects taking place within Cowichan, such as working with the University of Victoria, to study the Cowichan Valley terroir as well as the BC Wine Authority on the proposal to have the Cowichan Valley established as a sub-GI (Geographic Indication).
In the past year, Blue Grouse has expanded the distribution of their Island wines to the mainland, marking an exciting new chapter for the little yet formidable Cowichan winery.
The new labels, designed by Seattle-based artist, Joe Chauncey.
New Season; New Look for Blue Grouse
For the Spring 2019 release of their latest vintages, they take the evolution further, with a new look to their packaging lineup. This update was predicated by their expansion into Vancouver combined with feedback that the labels needed to be modernized.
Blue Grouse will reveal new packaging for the following wines:
2018 Quill White
2018 Quill Rosé
2018 Quill Pinot Gris
2018 Ortega
2018 Pinot Gris
2017 Quill Pinot Noir
2017 Quill Red
2018 Ortega Amphora
Blue Grouse has committed to stewarding the historic land on which the vines reside.
The packaging is updated to reflect the terroir-driven location and ultimately honour the bird that is the winery's namesake with poise and conviction. Moreover, the new art is a nod to the original bird illustration that originated from the first winery owner.
Labels are created by Joe Chauncey, Seattle-based principal of Boxwood Creative, who also designed the winery building. He notes the following for the refreshed look to the packaging:
"Following the principles used in the design of the winery, the brand has been further reinforced with the updated package line up. The use of high quality imagery on the labels, the subliminal watermark under the tail feather on the Quill label, and a colour palette drawn exclusively from its feathers - these elements are all designed to recall the bird that populates the area and the brand that has celebrated its name for more than 30 years - Blue Grouse Estate Winery & Vineyard."
The entire team is overjoyed to be sharing this special milestone in their journey with the people that have made the winery a success. This packaging update is just one more step in the evolution of Blue Grouse Estate Winery.