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Harcus Design Shapes the Timeless Identity of Windowrie Wines

Harcus Design Shapes the Timeless Identity of Windowrie Wines

In the heart of New South Wales, one of Australia’s oldest and most celebrated wine-growing states, the O’Dea family has built a legacy defined by vision, resilience, and respect for both land and history. The story began in the 1980s, when family patriarch David O’Dea planted the first vines at what would become Windowrie. Australia was then entering its “New World” winemaking movement, a time of bold ideas and global ambition. With his foresight and passion for the land, David helped shape this new era, establishing Windowrie as a boutique winery of distinction and earning recognition among the top 50 leaders in Australian wine.

From the outset, the O’Dea family embraced sustainability, innovation, and uncompromising quality—principles that continue to define Windowrie today. Now guided by the next generation, the family manages over 150 hectares of certified organic vineyards, nurtured by the soils and climates of New South Wales. Every wine reflects their belief that excellence begins in the vineyard, where healthy vines and living soils produce grapes of character and purity.

Yet Windowrie is more than vines and wines; it is deeply tied to the history and culture of the region. In Cowra, the annual Sakura Festival celebrates the blossoming of Japanese cherry trees and honours enduring ties with Japan—bonds born during WWII, when the town was home to a Japanese Prisoner of War camp. Out of tragedy came reconciliation and friendship, and today the Sakura wine range pays tribute to this story. Inspired by cherry blossoms, it symbolises impermanence, hope, and renewal, capturing the beauty of cultural connection in every glass.

Another cornerstone of the family’s legacy is The Mill. Built in 1861 as a steam-powered flour mill, the three-storey structure stood for decades as a symbol of progress before falling silent. In 1994, the O’Deas restored it with the same care they bring to their vineyards. Constructed from blue stone, granite, and reclaimed timber, The Mill now serves as an award-winning regional attraction. The Mill wine range honours this heritage, crafted to reflect history, renewal, and enduring craftsmanship.

From the first vines planted in the 1980s to today’s thriving vineyards, celebrated labels, and restored landmarks, Windowrie is more than a winery—it is a family’s ongoing commitment to heritage, harmony, and the pursuit of excellence. Through every bottle, the O’Deas invite the world to share in a story that is as timeless as it is ever-evolving.

CREDIT

  • Agency/Creative: Harcus Design
  • Article Title: Harcus Design Shapes the Timeless Identity of Windowrie Wines
  • Organisation/Entity: Agency
  • Project Type: Packaging
  • Project Status: Published
  • Agency/Creative Country: Australia
  • Agency/Creative City: Sydney
  • Market Region: Oceania
  • Project Deliverables: Advertising Photography, Illustration, Packaging Design
  • Format: Bottle, Box
  • Industry: Food/Beverage
  • Keywords: windowrie, australian wine, wine label, harcus design, label design, sakura wine, the mill

  • Credits:
    Designer: Galima Akhmetzyanova
    Creative Director & Designer: Annette Harcus
    Photographer: Stephen Clarke

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