Ingenious and Playful Wine Packaging Design: La Ponsadrine

The story behind this very unique wine packaging design dates back to the time of Napoleon’s rule over France and most of Europe. It’s not at all difficult to see that the box in the picture looks like a huge sardine tin with a traditional flap, but the reason for choosing such an unexpected design for a wine bottle container is not exactly obvious.

Called La Ponsadrine, this limited edition box is presented to lovers of exquisite wines by Maison Veuve Cliquot. The renowned wine and champagne brand bears the name of Madame Cliquot, who became a widow at age 27 and then took over her husband’s wine business. This gave her the name “Veuve (widow) Cliquot, but her maiden name was Ponsardin, thus the title Veuve Cliquot Ponsardin.

The very talented business woman, who managed to create an empire out of her husband’s business, was born to a family who appreciated humor and wit. When her father Nicolas Ponsardin was named Baron by Napoleon, he was given the privilege to choose a coat of arms to represent his family.

Not lacking imagination, he reinterpreted his name with a little irony. His family’s coat of arms represented a bridge (“pont” in French), and a sardine (“sardine” in French). His witty spirit is now celebrated with a very special limited edition wine box, that flaunts a very cheerful and playful design. We absolutely love it!