Cockburn’s adds color to Christmas with box inspired by urban art 

From the walls to a new box of Vintage Port. Cockburn’s – a renowned Port wine house, owned by Symington Family Estates – has just presented a pack of two bottles, Porto Vintage 2007 and Quinta dos Canais Vintage from the same year, created in partnership with Paula P. Rezende, a Brazilian artist who won last year’s edition of the Street Art Competiton. The event, which is organized by Cockburn’s and has already been held for three years, is a move to bring the brand closer to urban art, now materializing in an exclusive box. There are only 500 packs available, for sale in the brand’s cellars. 

 The choice of Vintage 2007 and Quinta dos Canalis Vintage 2007 to accompany this release was not random. Impressed with the quality of the wines from Quinta dos Canais – home of Cockburn’s in the Douro region –, Symington’s winemakers followed their instincts and, contrary to what is considered normal, produced, that year, a Vintage Port created solely from from that property, in addition to classic Vintage. After a few years of maturation in the cellars, the pair is now presented in a limited edition box. Save or consume now? Cockburn’s invites everyone to follow their instincts. 

 During the box development process, which lasted approximately two months, Paula P. Rezende (@paulaprezende on Instagram) found inspiration in the mural that gave her victory in the competition promoted by the brand. The artist states that «winning the Street Art Competition opened doors to networking and publicity opportunities, helping immensely in my artistic journey in Portugal». She adds: “Initiatives like this not only celebrate art, culture and creativity, they provide artists with unique platforms to express their ideas. Cockburn’s has been creating a dynamic environment, which mixes art, culture and engagement with the public». 

 Without forgetting tradition, but living up to the art of being different – a characteristic present in the brand’s DNA – Cockburn’s has been establishing a bridge between Port wine and urban art. The third edition of the Street Art Competition took place at the end of September, bringing together nine artists who each developed a mural, with the aim of enhancing creativity and artistic development around the legacy of Port wine. The panel of judges – which included Paula P. Rezende – chose Gavin Renshaw (Tea One) as the winner. It is also worth remembering that, in June, Cockburn’s paid tribute to the coopers, unveiling a mural, created by the Ruído project, next to Garrafeira do Carmo, in downtown Porto. 

 Andrew May, brand manager, highlights the relevance of «promoting culture and creativity, and showing our consumers and the general public that Port wine is not necessarily a traditional drink, and can be enjoyed (and communicated) with relaxation». Still according to the person responsible, «this is a gift that Cockburn’s is now giving to its consumers, presenting itself as a suggestion for this Christmas season. We want to encourage the tradition of offering Port Wine, encouraging the sharing of a quality and cult product, but with a very current and appealing image». The person in charge also expresses the desire to continue collaborating, in the future, with participants in the competition organized annually by Cockburn’s.