From farm to label – blending nature, spirit and legacy

From farm to label – blending nature, spirit and legacy

At Pyramid Valley, the creation of our Colours Collection wine label was much more than a design project – it was an exploration to the heart of our philosophy, where art, nature, and legacy intertwine.

Over two decades, Pyramid Valley has cultivated a cult following, emotionally connecting wine lovers to the spirit of the brand – we felt a strong sense of obligation to reflect this with any brand refresh.

In our first edition of Pleasure ▪ Culture ▪ Craft, we shared that the focus of our label evolution project in 2021 was to refine all the Pyramid Valley brand tiers. While our Botanicals Collection represents the pinnacle of fine wine artistry, and our Pastures Collection offers an exploration of place, the Colours Collection serves as an entry point – a vibrant, accessible celebration of Pyramid Valley’s daring beginnings.

Our Colours wines are an opportunity to do something vivaciously new AND demonstrate the spirit of a legacy lives on. They are like the ‘wild cousins’ of the Botanicals and Pastures wines –from the same gene pool but have their own spirit. We celebrate their individualism without losing their Pyramid Valley-ness. They honour the ‘colour’ and spirit of Pyramid Valley and vanguardist approach to vigneronship.

The design process began with a bold philosophy: to embed our core values into every element of the label. Helen Milner, our designer, presented six visual territories informed by workshops and surveys involving staff, distributors, sommeliers, and wine club members. The result? A blend of two distinct concepts: abstract art and the essence of the “wild cousin.”

For each Colours label, we wanted to hero a central image celebrating the plants surrounding the vine in its vineyard. These plants not only add beauty, but play an increasingly critical role in creating an energetic, thriving, and connected ecosystem - the foundation for making fine wine.

Authenticity guided every step of this process and involving an artist required a meaningful connection. Local cyanotype artist Annemarie Hope-Cross visited our Mānatu Vineyard near Cromwell, and over a series of days took clippings from our cover crops. Back in her studio, Annemarie placed the pressed specimens directly onto coated paper, allowing the action of light to create a silhouette effect. Using this historic cyanotype process, her works radiate the energy and interconnectedness of the vineyard ecosystem.

Pleasure Culture Craft - Pyramid Valley Colours Collection Label
Cyanotype artist Annemarie Hope-Cross in the Pyramid Valley Mānatu vineyard (L) and her Central Otago studio (R)

The label backgrounds were painted by designer Helen Milner, who experimented with paint droplets, blending colours to reflect the vitality and character of the wine or grape. The final designs are a union of Annemarie’s cyanotype imprints and Helen’s expansive, textured backdrops.

Our Colours Collection: a tribute to our roots, a celebration of our philosophy, and an invitation to experience the spirit of Pyramid Valley in every bottle.

Natalie Grace Brand & Marketing Manager
Pyramid Valley, Smith & Sheth, Lowburn Ferry
Aotearoa New Zealand Fine Wine Estates.


Label in Focus


Pleasure Culture Craft Journal - Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange Label


Label: Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange

Concept: A nasturtium blooms on a brooding orange palette

Colour cues: As one of the first Orange wines to be made in New Zealand, the background colour must not only provide a cue to the wine itself, but be bold and daring like Pyramid Valley founding winemaker Mike Weersing.

Plant role: Nasturtiums enhance vineyard ecosystems by attracting pollinators, deterring pests, improving soil health, preventing erosion, and adding biodiversity and natural beauty. Read more from Steve Smith on this multifunctional “pest whisperer” that combines beauty, brains, and botanical superpowers. Read More >

“…truly orange in its appearance - the color is somewhere between a glass of Berocca-infused water and palo cortado. Made like a red wine using white grapes (mainly Pinot Gris with a splash of other aromatic varieties), this is predominantly a whole-bunch fermentation. It brings a satisfying midpalate weight, good concentration and structured, lightly tannic grip. An orange wine that's a joy to drink - and that's all too rare.”
- Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous on the 2021 Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange


The 2024 Pyramid Valley North Canterbury Orange is the fourth vintage to feature this striking new label design. For more on the current release of this wine and availability click here.

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