Entries for the fourth annual Wine Label Design Awards have opened and for the first time, the competition, run by Winemag.co.za, will also include beer labels. Brewers are invited to enter the inaugural Beer Label Design Awards, sponsored by self-adhesive label supplier Rotolabel.

The competition rewards outstanding design as an influence on wine and beer purchases and all South African wine and beer producers as well as design studios are invited to enter. The deadline for entries is February 16th. The entry fee  is R550.

Judges with a variety of backgrounds will join to judge the awards in late February. This year’s panel:

Christian Eedes, Editor, Winemag.co.za

Rebecca Constable, Product Developer for Wine, Woolworths

Sean Harrison, Executive Creative Director, Whitespace Creative

Carla Kreuser, Freelance and previously creative director at The Jupiter Drawing Room

Bertus Basson, Chef: Overture, Bertus Basson at Spice Route and Spek & Bone (for wine)

Lucy Corne, beer and travel writer (for beer). Hey – that’s me!

Beers will be judged in two categories: 1) single labels and 2) labels forming a series.

Judging criteria include originality of concept, execution, shelf appeal and effectiveness as a piece of communication.

Wine and beers must be commercially available and the minimum stock requirement is 100 six-bottle cases. Each entry must be accompanied by a 150-word creative rationale. You can find all the rules and entry requirements here.

After official judging, finalists will then be displayed on Winemag.co.za for a set period to allow for consumer voting to determine a people’s choice winner. The award ceremony takes place on 14 March.

To enter, download the entry kit for beer here. And if you’re planning to enter your wine labels, you’ll find the entry form here. Good luck!