Ackley Beverage Group
Borealis Wine Brand & Packaging
The Challenge
Following the successful rollout of their Cataclysm brand from Washington, our friends at Ackley wanted to launch a premium Oregon wine onto the national scene as well. They wanted the wine brand and packaging to speak to Oregon’s big aspirations, humble culture, and deep connection to the natural world. The name—Borealis—gave us a great place to start.
The Outcome
We explored a range of concepts, but quickly focused on the timeless magic of the northern lights. The natural world is a source of inspiration for all of us, but especially for winemakers. The northern lights capture that sense of magic that seems both perfectly natural and otherworldly at the same time. The lineup has grown from a single Pinot Noir at launch, and now includes both a Rosé and a White Blend.
Winner: 2022 GDUSA American Package Design Awards
The natural world is a source of inspiration for all of us, but especially for winemakers. The northern lights capture that sense of magic that seems both perfectly natural and otherworldly at the same time.
Brand Story
Seeing the northern lights dance across the night sky is a rare treat at our latitude. They are both a simple, atmospheric phenomenon and an awe-inspiring, otherworldly spectacle—a timeless reminder of the magic and majesty of our natural world. As winemakers, we are guided by our deep reverence for nature, and it is our privilege to coax beautiful expressions from this unique place we call home.
Borealis is a quintessentially Oregonian Pinot Noir, shaped by its ancient soils, gentle hills, and maritime climate. It blends the elegance of old-world wine craft with the grit and creativity of the Northwest, and each sip displays the balance and complexity that have made Oregon one of the world’s preeminent wine regions.
We hope you’ll share this wine with the people who are near and dear to you. When you do, raise a glass towards the northern sky, and take a moment to reconnect with the things that inspire you.
