December 18, 2018
Every wine label has a story.
When John and Johnna Swineford were looking for the perfect couple to portray Santa and Mrs. Claus on the label for their seasonal cranberry wine, they knew exactly who they wanted to fill those legendary shoes; however, turning their vision into reality came with a few challenges.
Johnna’s parents, Jack and Donna Deck, were the natural choice, but Jack had passed away last November. Donna had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease two years prior to that. And there were no pictures of the couple dressed up like Mr. and Mrs. C.
To create the holiday scene, the Swinefords commissioned Kelsey McMullen, a Kansas City artist who grew up in Mountain View, the town where Viandel Vineyard is located. Johnna provided McMullen with several candid photos of her parents. In addition to memorializing her parents, the label features Jake, the family’s chocolate lab and the fireplace located in the winery’s tasting room. If you look closely at the label, you can make out the names of the Swineford family on the stockings and on the list in Santa’s hand. Of course, Santa is holding a glass of wine from the winery. The wine, named in honor of Johnna’s late father, is a special tribute to a remarkable couple who cherished the holidays.
Although Johnna’s mother Donna struggles with dementia, she recognized her husband the instant she saw the label. “She was overcome with emotion,” recalls Johnna who made a print to hang in her mom’s room. “She loves it and shows it to everyone.”
There’s another reason why Jack’s Frost is so special to the Swineford family. It’s the first wine that John and Johnna have produced at the winery. The couple purchased Viandel Vineyard on February 23, 2018. The winery’s seasonal wine has a rich color and crisp cranberry flavor with a smooth finish. Jack’s Frost’s semi-sweet nature has the perfect balance of tartness and tastes like Christmas in a glass.