Kornova Weingut is a new Moldovan winery founded in the village of Cornova — a historic settlement shaped by the legacy of German colonists who settled here centuries ago. These settlers brought with them a disciplined, methodical approach to viticulture, which over time blended with the Moldovan way of life, creating a unique cultural fusion rooted in care for the land and respect for tradition. The task was to express this synthesis — not in a folkloric or nostalgic manner, but through a contemporary design system that feels authentic, modern, and deeply local.

We began by exploring the visual heritage of the region, particularly the ornamental motifs found in traditional woodcarving — an artform once widespread in Moldovan village architecture. From these textures, we distilled a set of symbolic forms, creating a minimalist emblematic language that echoes nature, craftsmanship, and time. Each symbol on the label — vine leaves, abstract flora, geometric suns — forms part of a coherent story about place and memory.

At the center stands the bee-eater bird, native to this part of Moldova. Graceful and striking, it has become a recurring totem across the brand — embossed in gold foil to underline its role as a symbolic link between nature and identity. Its presence is both decorative and conceptual, bridging past and present in a single, memorable gesture.

Despite the richness of its references, the design remains clean, clear, and versatile. It was developed as a system for a broad range of white wines, maintaining consistency while allowing for elegant variation across varieties. With its soft color palette, tactile materials, and thoughtful symbolism, the Kornova label balances tradition and modernity — providing the new winery with a distinctive and enduring visual voice.