September 7, 2005, CAMINO, CA—Concerned that changes to their beloved wine label might shock loyal customers, Paul Bush, co-owner, vineyard manager, and winemaker of Madroña Vineyards has issued a survival guide regarding the new look of Madroña’s wine bottles.

“We take this kind of thing seriously, and want to minimize the risk of upset or injury, especially among the senior members of our wine club who have been enjoying our wines since my parents started this place 30 years ago,” explained Bush as he readied the new wines for shipment. “The old label hadn’t been changed in 15 years,” he said, “and with the amount of compliments we received for it, we knew someone would have a conniption if we messed with it.”

But mess with it they did. Thus the handy guide for Madroña fans.

The guide is best used with reference bottles from the winery’s new releases, including the ’03 Shiraz/Cabernet, the ’02 Nebbiolo, the ’02 Reserve Zinfandel (a recent Gold medal winner at the 2005 California State Fair), and the ’04 Riesling (which won a “Best of Region” award at the Fair).

Here’s an excerpt from Bush’s guide:

Now let’s get down to business—the new labels. Since change is always a bit hard (and we’ve had the same labels for over 15 years), let’s look at the new labels, together, in a calm and orderly fashion. So please follow the following directions closely.

1. Pick up the bottle of ’02 Nebbiolo. You see the same old label, and you can feel you are in your comfort zone. Tradition!
2. With your free hand, pick up the bottle of ’03 Shiraz/Cabernet, which has the new label. Focus on the Madrone tree in the middle of the label. Feel the calming effect of the continuity, of the tradition. Good.
3. Now slowly consider the contrast of the colors on the new label. (If at any time you feel a panic attack coming on, focus back on the Madrone tree for safety.) Consider how bright the colors are, how elegant they are, how bold they are. How does this make you feel?
4. Now dim the lights (as if in a swishy, romantic restaurant) and look at both labels. See how one label goes black and the other retains its character?
5. Open the ’03 Shiraz/Cabernet. Pour a glass of the wine and taste it. You’ll experience the same Madroña quality you’ve become accustomed to all along.

The full guide may be viewed here.
And our information sheets on our wines are here.

Printable version available here.