Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/764739
w w w. v w m m e d i a . c o m J a n - F e b 2 017 | V I N E YA R D & W I N E RY M A N A G E M E N T 7 1 IN-HOUSE LABELS B e n B a n k s , w i n e m a k e r a n d graphic artist at Sovereign Estate Vineyard in Waconia, Minn., hires a custom printing company for stan- dard inventory labels, but turns to his in-house Primera Technology's LX900 printer for special events, promotions and rush projects. "Labeling is a challenge, even when you have the very best com- panies do the work for you," says Banks. "One of the things that's nice about in-house printing is that you see the finished label immedi- ately. If they don't look good or you spot an error, you can just press 'stop printing' and fix it instead of getting stuck with thousands of dol- lars' worth of labels that you can't use. It also gives you the ability to be really nimble and make special- edition wine labels on short notice. For example, our winery is located near Prince's former home, Paisley Park, which is now a museum. With our printer, we can create a custom Purple Paisley wine label for guests stopping by the winery on their way to visiting the museum or before attending a concert there." Banks estimates that Sovereign spent about $2,000 eight years ago to purchase the printer, an invest- ment he considers invaluable. He says it's durable, reliable and easy to match how the labels need to perform (resistance to scratches, water and ice) and has seen very good results using polypropylene. "We're a boutique winery," he explains, "and we like to have some unique labels every year. With the in-house printer, we have the capacity to make changes fast, often with better-quality color and less of a hassle than sending it to a print shop. "The Primera isn't the only thing I need in my toolbox, but I'm glad I have it." CUSTOM PRINT LABELS Some wineries don't have the time, interest or staff to steer in- house label production, opting instead to hire professional print houses to fulfill their label needs. One such company, Paragon Label in Petaluma, Calif., specializes almost exclusively in custom wine bottle label production. Owner Jason Grossman rec- ommends digital printing for low- volume or startup wineries seeking small runs with high quality at an affordable price. The digital service even provides three color gradations samples for customers to review before the job ever goes to print. As the business grows, Gross- man suggests trying the flexo- graphic process, which offers a to use and requires far less mainte- nance and cleaning than the other commercial printers in his design studio. Banks does admit to a learn- ing curve in finding the best sub- strate (label surface and adhesive) Sovereign Estate has seen good results regarding water resistance when using custom-printed polypropylene labels. Quality Stainless Tanks Custom Fabricated Stainless Wine Tanks for the Perfect Fit, or 500 to 10,000 gallon "In Stock" Wine Tanks for your Immediate Needs. Either way, We Have You Covered! Call QST Today for Assistance with your Stainless Cooperage Needs or Pricing & Availability. QST is located in the Heart of Wine Country 510 Caletti Ave. Windsor, CA 95492 707-837-2721 direct or 877-598-0672 toll free www.qualitystainless.com QST website winetanks@aol.com email for sales & info "Our Previous Clients Are Our Best Salespeople"