Ghindeni Vineyards started as a conceptual project aiming to create a contemporary wine brand that reflects the essence of Ghindeni, a small village in Oltenia, Romania, where our designer was born. With around 2,000 inhabitants, Ghindeni is a place where traditional grape cultivation and winemaking are still prevalent. The concept originated during a visit to the village, where we took part in the grape harvest and observed the villagers’ time-honored winemaking methods.

Our goal was to craft a modern brand that preserves the village’s unique character. We chose a minimalist design for the wine label, featuring a single, prominent illustration of a grape cluster. The label covers the bottle in a way that only its bottom part remains visible.

A standout feature of our design is the coin, which came about through our historical research. Ghindeni’s past includes the discovery of two folles (coins) from the reign of Justin I, minted in Constantinople. The village’s name is derived from "ghinde" (acorns), due to its oak forests. First recorded in a document from November 7, 1587, Ghindeni is surrounded by forests and near Lake Lala.

These aspects are reflected in our coin design, which features an oak tree with acorn-shaped leaves and water symbols beneath it that reference Lake Lala, encapsulated within a coin that appears on each bottle.

In addition to our wine, we developed a product inspired by a local tradition—the preparation of must, a grape juice-based beverage enjoyed during the grape harvest season. This drink offers a fresh, non-alcoholic option that retains the essence of Ghindeni’s vineyards.

We utilized the same design principles but opted for bright, vibrant colors to differentiate this refreshing product from our wine selection.

This case study illustrates our journey in creating a brand that honors the heritage of Ghindeni while presenting it in a contemporary, appealing manner. The combination of minimalist design, historical elements, and innovative product expansion showcases the depth and versatility of the Ghindeni Vineyards brand.