Inhouse 85 Grava Wines

Finalist
Credits
  • Pou Auaha / Creative Director
    Arch MacDonnell
  • Ringatoi Matua / Design Directors
    Arch MacDonnell, Toby Curnow
  • Ngā Kaimahi / Team Members
    Jane MacDonnell, Dean Foster, Thomas Asche
  • Kaitautoko / Contributors
    Morven McAuley, Bonny Beattie
  • Client
    Grava Wines
Description:

Grava Wines began as a way for founders Al and Karla to live and work simply, thoughtfully, and with joy. After two decades of making wine in both Aotearoa and Spain, they embraced change — seeking to better reflect their values, their bicultural story, and the sensory nature of how people actually experience wine. This wasn’t just a brand update; it was a strategic evolution that aimed to honour place, connect people to mood and memory, and invite more relaxed, inclusive engagement with premium wines. Grava’s refresh had to feel both authentic and elevated — accessible but never generic.

At the heart of the strategy was a deep exploration of how wine is experienced — beyond taste — into sound, touch, and even mood. The name Grava (Spanish for gravel) became a conceptual anchor: a sensory material with its own distinctive sound and feel. From this, we explored how a multisensory approach could define the brand’s identity, making Grava not just a product, but a sensory experience woven into everyday life. Every decision was rooted in how people live with wine — how they feel when drinking it, and how those feelings create lasting memories.

The visual identity centres on a simple but powerful device: Braille-inspired dots — a tactile motif that echoes gravel, grapes, tapas, and wine glasses. These dots create an abstract, sensory system that is minimal, meaningful, and richly adaptable. Colours are earthy, edible, and regional: deep terracottas and olive greens speak of Spain, while lighter, sun-warmed tones reference Aotearoa’s land. The wordmark evokes rustic Spanish signage, blending tradition with a modern edge. Luxury print finishes such as embossing enhance the tactile experience, bringing the brand’s sensory intent to life.

Grava’s rebrand goes beyond aesthetic — it’s a celebration of cross-cultural living, simple pleasures, and human connection. By grounding the brand in sensory design and mood-based storytelling, it redefines how wine can be understood and remembered — inviting people not just to taste, but to feel, listen, and play.