Following its annual student design competition, Plumpton College has rebranded its entire wine portfolio with this year’s focus on reflecting the continued growth and increasing quality of English and Welsh wine.

In collaboration with brand creation specialists Studio Parr, Plumpton College offered students the chance to contribute to the design of the new labels for its Rock Lodge and single varietal ranges of still wines, giving them even more involvement in Plumpton wine production. 

This year’s competition saw entrants choose from two separate briefs. The Rock Lodge blends (Rock Lodge White, Rosé and Red) required a design to give the wine a sense of place, inspired by the vineyard. The single variety (for this year, ‘Bacchus’) design brief focused on the craftsmanship and beauty of detail, requiring a more muted colour palette to reflect the premium quality of the range.

The judging panel was overseen by Will Parr of Studio Parr, and included members of the Plumpton wine team and the college principal Jeremy Kerswell. The winning designs were by Lizzi Hobcraft, a first-year Foundation Diploma in Wine Business student.

“I used to run my own business in the lingerie/loungewear sector, so bringing a little creativity into the wine world has been a breath of fresh air,” said winner Lizzi Hobcraft. “It’s really exciting to have won the competition and be working on a project to inspire and engage people with wine, through colourful and creative labeling.”

The wines produced at the college will soon use innovative, creative packaging, reflecting not only Plumpton’s unique place in the industry, but also the quality of English wine across the board.

“Via this new competition we aim to further promote our new brand values of quality, enthusiasm and innovation,” said Chris Foss, manager of the wine division at Plumton College. “It will increase the engagement and experience our students gain during their time at Plumpton. With the evident success of the English wine industry, we need to attract more students into the sector, and involve them in all aspects of wine production, including business and branding.”