Wine and Chess: A Luxury Packaging Design

Combining Wine and Chess in a Functional and Stylish Case

Andrei Filatov, owner of Chateau La Grace Dieu des Prieurs, has combined his passion for wine and chess to create a packaging design that is both functional and stylish. The Wine and Chess case is a unique concept that ensures the packaging is never thrown away after the wine is consumed.

The design of the Wine and Chess case is inspired by the colors of the chessboard, with the red squares chosen to reflect the popular design of chessboards in the early 20th century. This period is particularly significant to Filatov, as he is an admirer of chess champion Alexander Alekhine, who played during this time.

What sets the Wine and Chess case apart is its combination of a wine case and a chess game. When the cover of the case is turned upside down, it reveals a chessboard with alternating red and cream squares. The case also includes two spaces for bags containing the chess pieces. Each bottle is safely nestled in a dedicated niche, making it a functional packaging solution.

The Wine and Chess case offers chess enthusiasts the opportunity to enjoy the timeless game while savoring their favorite wine. It provides a second life for luxury packaging, ensuring that it is not simply discarded after use.

The Wine and Chess case is made using high-quality materials, including a gray wooden MDF Valchromat box structure and a top chessboard made of natural oak veneered MDF. The edge banding of the box is done in natural oak veneer, while the bottom is covered with natural oak veneer. The four sides of the base are covered in red goatskin with stitching, adding a touch of luxury to the design. The case also features a gold hot foil logo for brand recognition.

The dimensions of the Wine and Chess case are 42 cm * 13 cm * 42 cm, and it weighs 5.6 kg when empty. When filled with six bottles of wine, it weighs 13.7 kg.

The Wine and Chess case was first conceptualized in 2016 in Saint-Emilion, France, by the owner of Chateau La Grace Dieu des Prieurs. The initial version was handcrafted, and the current version, Wine and Chess, is a modified version of the original design. It was completed in November 2021 in Bidart, France, and presented as a special prize for World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen in December 2021, following his successful defense of his title at the World Chess Championship in Dubai.

The Wine and Chess case is a result of extensive research and development. The square configuration of the six-bottle case that transforms into a chessboard was the brainchild of the winery owner, while the color code for the board and pieces was also devised by the same individual. The design team, including Laurent Prosperi and Frederic Chaput, selected materials that were solid, lightweight, and sustainable, ultimately settling on a wooden MDF Valchromat for the box structure and red leather for the external faces.

One of the main challenges faced during the design process was creating an item that excelled in multiple aspects. The Wine and Chess case needed to function as wine packaging, a beautiful luxury object, and a chess game. Feedback from chess players led to improvements in the chess pieces, with each piece now containing a weighting agent to ensure stability and ease of movement.

The Wine and Chess case is a testament to the creativity and innovation of Andrei Filatov and his team. By combining wine and chess in a functional and stylish case, they have created a design that celebrates two timeless passions and provides a second life for luxury packaging.

Image Credits: Photographer Olga Zaretskaya-Pityurina (Main Image, Optional Images No. 2 and 4), Video credits: AP Production.

Award: Iron A' Design Award in the Packaging Design category in 2022. This award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The Wine and Chess case is respected for integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics, providing fulfillment and positive feelings, and contributing to a better world.