Winesmiths has released a vibrant set of limited-edition 2L wine packs in collaboration with Australian artist, Billie Justice Thomson, and in support of not-for-profit charity the Wheen Bee Foundation.
The partnership with Thomson exhibits her iconic illustrations to bring attention and excitement to wine shelves, and raise funds for the important research of the Wheen Bee Foundation.
Filled and assembled in-house, the limited-edition 2L primary cask outers are produced and printed by Detpak, while the outer secondary six-pack cartons are by Opal Fibre Packaging.
The limited-edition designs appear on the Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon Sauviognon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon and Dry Rose.
“The Winesmiths x Billie Justice Thomson Limited Edition shines a light on the sustainable environment required to make our wines, as well as the sustainability benefits our packaging delivers,” said Lisa Antoney, senior brand manager at Winesmiths.
“Just like an artist, our vineyards require as much love and attention to drive a healthy eco-system, delivering beautiful natural flavour and yield. We don’t compromise on quality in any way.”
Thomson is known for her nostalgic illustrations and paintings of iconic food and drinks. This time, inspiration drawn from the vineyard, her artworks are focused on Australia’s native flora and the native honeybee, printed on the iconic 2L Winesmiths packs.
“It was such a great process, we looked at the native plants that grow in and around the vineyards,” said Thomson.
“Bees and native plants play an important role in the biodiversity of vineyards, and ultimately, in the wine itself.
“I’ve always been attached to natives, they’re so uniquely Australian. They’re so rugged and often a little strange.“
The limited-edition designed packs are in liquor stores from August to December, with part of the proceeds from the Shiraz and Pinot Grigio going to the Wheen Bee Foundation for research.
“We applaud Winesmiths’ efforts to promote environmental sustainability and ecosystem health, whether it’s through native vegetation projects, organic wine production systems, water repurposing, or carbon emissions reduction,” said Fiona Chambers, Wheen Bee Foundation’s CEO.
“As a charity, we value Winesmiths’ generous support, which enables the Wheen Bee Foundation to continue important projects to support bees and bee research.”
This is the second iteration of Winesmiths Limited Edition casks, with the producer having previously worked with Mulga the Artist to excite and disrupt cask wine shelves and recruit new drinkers to the cask (bag-in-box) format.
The Winesmiths x Billie Justice Thomson Limited Edition casks will be in stores from August with a RRP of $16.
