A WINE THAT BRINGS PEOPLE TOGETHER FOR THE ANNIVERSARY
CREATIVE CONTEST FOR THE WINE LABEL
To mark the 200th anniversary of Cologne-Düsseldorf Rhine Shipping, winemaker Juliane Eller has created a special anniversary wine. She studied viticulture and oenology at Geisenheim University and is the founder of JUWEL Weine, which produces dry, high-quality wines from Rheinhessen. In an interview with “RheinZeit,” she shares interesting insights into her work.
What makes the KD special?
Juliane Eller: The KD is a project close to my heart. I created this wine especially for KD high-quality white grape varieties and a great deal of care and attention. It embodies lightness, elegance, and moments of enjoyment along the Rhine. At the same time, it tells the story of 200 years KD, of being on the move and of coming together. It is not just an anniversary wine, but an emotional memento of a special milestone in KD.
What criteria were important to you?
Juliane Eller: It was important to us to create a wine that brings joy to many people while reflecting our high standards of quality. Freshness, balance, and drinkability were the focus of this creation. The result is a white wine that delights both on board and at home. It is approachable, high-quality, and made for carefree moments of enjoyment. In short: a wine that brings people together.
Please tell us a little more about the JUWEL line. What does the product range include?
Juliane Eller: Our JUWEL wines are the heart and soul of our winery. The name JUWEL is a combination of my first name, JUliane, my last name, ELler, and the “W” for “wines.” Our grapes mature into rough gems in the diverse vineyards of Rheinhessen. But it is only through the polishing I am privileged to give them that they become what they truly are: a JUWEL. Our wines are shaped by their origin and pure craftsmanship. The range extends from crisp, fresh entry-level wines to distinctive village and single-vineyard wines. All wines are dry, vegan, and Fair’n Green certified. They embody precision, elegance, and quality with depth and character.
“Freshness, balance, and drinkability were the focus of this creation.”
Rheinhessen is Germany's largest wine-growing region. What makes your winery so special?
Juliane Eller: Rheinhessen is incredibly diverse, and that’s exactly the diversity we embody. Our winery is located in Alsheim, right in the heart of Rheinhessen, with a wide variety of vineyard sites and soils. What makes us special is the blend of tradition and modernity. We are a family-owned winery with a clear vision: sustainable viticulture. We embrace the pure art of winemaking, but also have the courage to break new ground—in the vineyard, in the cellar, and in our external communications. Through unique partnerships and collaborations, we immerse ourselves in a wide variety of industries, draw inspiration, and bring true passion projects to life with special people. Across industries, we can address agriculture and viticulture. In doing so, we raise awareness of sustainability and living in harmony with nature.
Custom-designed wine label
The KD is a resounding success in every sense of the word. The wine’s label is also something truly special. It took first place in the creative competition held by Köln-Düsseldorfer Deutsche Rheinschiffahrt. It was designed by Cologne-based artist and graphic designer Sabine Reuter. Her work both impressed and delighted the jury. The expert jury consisted of Barbara Foerster, Director of the Cologne Museum Service; Dr. Marie-Christine Frank, Managing Director and Founder of the Cologne-based agency “Drei Brueder” Kommunikation und Beratung GmbH; winemaker Juliane Eller; and KD Nina Luig.
A grapevine as a drawing tool
Sabine Reuter’s work illustrates a harmonious connection between the two defining pillars of viticulture and KölnDüsseldorfer. “It was important to me to depict the exceptional craftsmanship of winemaker Juliane Eller in viticulture and its foundation—the vine and the grape. The stylized Rhine symbolically links the wine-growing regions with KD , KD explains the designer. For the execution, she chose a grapevine as a drawing tool and wine as ink. For the river motif, she diluted the blue paint with water from the Rhine. “Whenever possible, I use natural materials in and for my work. I never leave the house without a pocket knife. When I find a suitable twig, I take it with me, because I carve all my own pens.” Elderberry or hazelnut twigs are particularly well-suited for this. The grapevine that was ultimately used for the label of KD conveniently grew in her own allotment garden.
The issue of sustainability is particularly close to the heart of this 47-year-old mother of three. Among other things, she leads climate and environmental workshops in daycare centers and schools. The goal of the “Weltretterbande” is to teach girls and boys from an early age to treat nature with care. Sabine Reuter is the regional director of the NGO (non-governmental organization) for North Rhine-Westphalia.