Wine and advocacy go hand in hand for the winemakers at The Prisoner Wines.
For the third year in a row, The Prisoner Wines is releasing Corrections, a limited-edition wine in which the wine company collaborates with an artist to feature an original or existing piece on the bottle to shed light on mass incarceration and amplify the need for prison reform.
“A bottle of wine is a profoundly impactful way to address the issue of mass incarceration and create advocacy,” says Angela Knotts, director of The Prisoner Wines.
The labels of a wine can connect drinkers to a winery’s values, she says. “We know that wine label art possesses a unique influence, capable of stirring emotions and prompting reflection, extending beyond mere consumption,” she says. “Once simply functional, wine labels have evolved into canvases for artistic expression, making drinkers look and think.”
The Prisoner Wines have long connected to art through its labels, as their flagship bottle features an etching entitled “Le Petit Prisionnier” by the 19th-century Spanish artist and social activist, Francisco de Goya. The artwork was part of Goya’s series “The Disasters of War.”
“It was created to visually protest the cruelty and captivity that took place during the Spanish War of Independence in 1808,” Knotts says. “The prisoner in the artwork represents the inhumanity of incarceration, a belief that is etched into our identity.”
This year, The Prisoner partnered with Jesse Krimes, and his work Apokaluptein:16389067 is featured on the 1.5 magnum bottle ($150). Krimes created this work on 39 bedsheets while he was incarcerated for 70 months. “ His artwork, resonating with a diverse audience, significantly contributes to raising awareness and understanding of the critical issues he addresses,” Knotts says.
As part of this release the brand is donating $75,000 to his organization, The Center for Art & Advocacy, which supports formerly incarcerated artists. Additionally, five percent of all Corrections sales will exclusively benefit The Center, alongside three percent of online sales from The Prisoner Red Blend. “This partnership has seamlessly brought together our joint passions for art and advocacy,” Knotts says.
Knotts says the brand has long admired Krimes as an artist. “His art serves as a compelling lens into the experiences of incarcerated individuals,” she says. “His work sheds light on the profound impact of mass incarceration on both individuals and communities.”
But beyond his art, The Center for Art and Advocacy, attracted the brand. “What really drew us to the collaboration was his organization,” Knotts says. “It is the first and only national organization that supports formerly incarcerated artists. That he founded this incredible organization deeply resonated with us.”
“The center serves as a direct path to sustainability and equity for artists directly impacted by the criminal legal system,” she adds. “Beyond his artistic pursuits, he stands as a committed advocate and driver of change in prison reform.”
Knotts says she hopes his collaboration with The Prisoner will spread his advocacy further and bring more awareness to the issues of prison reform. “In our collaboration, we aim to amplify the reach of his impactful narratives, connecting with audiences that may not typically engage with traditional museums or exhibition spaces,” she says.
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