In the collections it has been offering since 2015, the Venus Wine company skillfully mixes wine and art. Making each bottle unique, she dresses the wine with its spiritual character, and calls for it to be contemplated and preserved as a true work of art. On the occasion of the launch of its new collection, “Nude by Venus”, the Cultural Agenda spoke with its creator, Abeer Al-Akkad.
How did the idea of merging art and wine come to you, and how does this approach enrich the tasting experience?
The world of art has always been linked to the world of wine, and since both worlds are based on the senses and taste, art lovers are often also lovers of wine. Interest in collecting and aging wine is widespread in Europe, and it is a bet that is particularly made by enthusiasts, because some wines improve over time. It also joins the art world. Investing in a work of art is a bit like investing in a wine for aging. Venus Wine believes that time will transform wine, as well as the work of art that accompanies it, into a successful investment over the years.
Each bottle of Venus Wine seems to be a work of art in its own right. Can you tell us about the creative process behind the design of the bottles and labels?
The idea of integrating art with wine came to me in 2015. My first experience was with Arabic calligraphy, drawn directly on the bottles by the artist Akil Ahmad. It was a bold move, because no one had ever done it before. Once, a bottle broke, and I thought I was going to lose the artwork on the glass, that it was going to disappear. The idea then evolved into its current form: the artists draw on a canvas that is delicately glued to the bottle, in order to preserve the work even when drinking the wine. This canvas can then be removed for preservation.
Does art play a specific role in the selection of the wines you offer? Is there a correlation between the artwork and the characteristics of the wine?
Of course, there must be a connection between the inside and outside of the bottle. This year, we collaborated with Domaine de Baal to select two wines. The wine of 2019 pleases all palates, it is rich and suitable for all occasions. It is therefore associated with the works of Charles Khoury, whose harmonious colours and compositions can be integrated into any home and all gatherings of family or friends. At the same time, I also received from Domaine de Baal a relatively old bottle from 2012, made to be enjoyed alone or with a loved one. She is so gentle that you can feel her sincerity, devoid of any restraint. So I decided to dedicate this cuvée to the concept of “nude”, which this wine evokes after having tasted it. Each artist has created a dozen drawings expressing this state in their own way.
How do you choose the artists who collaborate with Venus Wine, and what role does art play in your brand’s story and identity?
The choice of artists who collaborate with Venus Wine is not easy, because it depends on the theme chosen and the cuvée chosen. Making a work of art on the scale of a wine bottle label is also a challenge for artists. The Venus Wine brand is based on the fusion of art and wine, and special attention is paid to these collaborations, which help to build the brand image and ensure its sustainability.
How do you see the evolution of the art and wine concept in the years to come? Do you have any plans to integrate even more artistic collaborations or immersive experiences around wine?
Venus Wine’s journey through art and wine began ten years ago. Despite the disasters that have followed one another in the country since then, Abeer Al-Akkad continues to collect and present various works and high-quality Lebanese wines. Wherever there is wine and art, Venus will be there to toast this eternal relationship.