How Did 19 Crimes Go From Convict History to Fan-Favorite Wines?

Behind the world-renowned wine brand is the story of a convict transported to Australia in the 18th and 19th centuries. British law at the time listed 19 crimes that were punishable by transportation - ranging from grand larceny to impersonating an Egyptian. These crimes changed regular citizens into colonists who built Australia. Treasury Wine Estates launched the brand in 2012, turning these historical records into a wine label that now sells over 1.5 million cases annually.

The brand's innovative Living Wine Labels app brings these stories to life. When you point your phone's camera at a bottle, the convict on the label begins speaking and shares their tale of rebellion. The technology uses augmented reality to animate real historical figures like John O'Reilly and James Wilson, whose portraits appear on the original red blend and dark red bottles.

19 Crimes and UFC: A New Partnership for 2024

UFC chose 19 Crimes as its official wine partner in the United States in March 2024. The partnership includes branding in the octagon during Pay-Per-Views and Fight Nights. 19 Crimes will run a national sweepstakes for VIP trips to UFC events in Las Vegas. The brands collaborate on "Bold Finish of the Month," a digital series that reaches UFC's 259 million social media followers. The content features fight highlights paired with 19 Crimes wines.

19 Crimes' Most Popular Wines and Their Stories

19 Crimes The Original Red Blend

The First Chapter This flagship wine features real convict John O'Reilly on its label. At 14% ABV, it blends Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Grenache. The wine offers flavors of ripe raspberries and dark plums, backed by vanilla and cedar notes. The tannins are smooth but present, making it pair exceptionally well with braised short ribs or aged cheddar.

19 Crimes The Banished Dark Red

A Bold Exile's Tale James Wilson, convicted of treason, graces this bottle. At 13.5% ABV, this blend of Shiraz, Grenache, and Dornfelder creates a full-bodied wine with blackberry and dark chocolate notes. A hint of coffee on the finish complements spicy dishes and grilled meats. The higher alcohol content and rich texture make it a winter favorite.

19 Crimes Uprising Red Wine

Rum Barrel Revolution This unique red blend spends 30 days in rum barrels, adding complex layers to its flavor profile. At 15% ABV, it's the boldest in the core range. The rum barrels impart notes of brown sugar and warm spices, while the base wine contributes dark fruit and tobacco flavors. The label features James Kiely, who led an uprising aboard a prison ship.

Snoop Dogg Cali Red

West Coast Meets Australia The collaboration with Snoop Dogg marked 19 Crimes' first California wine. This 13.5% ABV blend of Petite Sirah and Zinfandel offers intense black fruit flavors with a smooth vanilla finish. Snoop's face on the label comes alive through the app, sharing his thoughts on wine, music, and culture. The wine pairs beautifully with barbecue and smoked meats.

The Halloween Collection

Glow-in-the-Dark Gothic Tales 19 Crimes' latest innovation features Dracula and Frankenstein editions with labels that illuminate in darkness. The Dracula Shiraz (14.5% ABV) delivers notes of black cherries and dark chocolate, while the Frankenstein Hard Chard (13.5% ABV) offers crisp apple and stone fruit flavors with a creamy oak finish. These limited editions launched at The Shady Lady in Melbourne, featuring themed cocktails like Vlad's Revenge and The Frankenstein.

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How to Serve 19 Crimes Wines at Their Best

Each 19 Crimes wine requires specific serving conditions. Red blends need 30 minutes of breathing time at 65°F (18°C). The Hard Chard and white wines taste best at 45-50°F (7-10°C). Store all bottles horizontally in a cool, dark place below 70°F (21°C). Red wines stay fresh for 3-5 days after opening when sealed with a wine stopper. White wines can last up to a week in the refrigerator.

Food and Wine Matches for the 19 Crimes Collection

The Original Red Blend pairs with strong dishes. Grilled steak, lamb chops, and aged cheeses bring out its dark fruit flavors. The Banished Dark Red matches well with smoky barbecue and spicy foods. Its high tannin content cuts through fatty meats.

Snoop Dogg's Cali Red works with California-style cuisine. Fish tacos, grilled chicken, and pasta dishes complement its fruit-forward profile. Martha's Chard suits lighter fare. Seafood, roasted vegetables, and cream-based sauces enhance its buttery notes.

The Uprising Red needs bold flavors to match its rum barrel character. Braised short ribs, dark chocolate desserts, and blue cheese stand up to its intensity. For the Halloween collection, the Dracula Shiraz pairs with game meats and mushroom dishes. The Frankenstein Hard Chard matches with roasted poultry and autumn vegetables.

19 Crimes' Digital Innovation with Living Wine Labels

The Living Wine Labels app uses augmented reality to animate each bottle's label. Users download the free app and point their phone at any 19 Crimes bottle. The historical figures or celebrity collaborators on the label start talking. The app works with all 19 Crimes bottles and includes different stories for each character.

John O'Reilly tells about his conviction for mutiny. James Wilson describes his transportation sentence. Snoop Dogg discusses his wine collaboration. The app adds new content for special releases like the Halloween collection. Dracula and Frankenstein bottles feature custom horror-themed animations.

Celebrity Collaborations That Changed 19 Crimes' Market Position

Snoop Dogg joined 19 Crimes in 2020, creating Cali Red. The wine attracted new consumers and sold over 130,000 cases in its first month. Martha Stewart followed in 2021 with Martha's Chard, a California Chardonnay at 14.1% ABV. The wine features bright citrus notes and subtle oak. Both celebrities appear in the Living Wine Labels app. Their bottles became the brand's top sellers in the U.S. market.

Cocktail Recipes With 19 Crimes Wines

The Original Red Sangria

Ingredients:

• 19 Crimes Original Red
• Orange juice
• Brandy
• Diced apples
• Diced oranges
• Diced pears

Method: Mix 19 Crimes Original Red with orange juice and brandy. Add diced apples, oranges, and pears. Let it sit for 4 hours. Top with club soda before serving.

The Banished Mulled Wine

Ingredients:

• 19 Crimes The Banished Dark Red
• Cinnamon sticks
• Star anise
• Orange peel
• Honey

Method: Heat 19 Crimes The Banished Dark Red with cinnamon sticks, star anise, and orange peel. Add honey to taste. Simmer for 20 minutes on low heat.

Cali Red Spritzer

Ingredients:

• 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg's Cali Red
• Cranberry juice
• Prosecco
• Lime

Method: Pour 19 Crimes Snoop Dogg's Cali Red over ice. Add a splash of cranberry juice and lime. Top with prosecco.

Martha's Hard Chard Punch

Ingredients:

• 19 Crimes Martha's Chard
• Peach nectar
• Elderflower liqueur
• Fresh mint leaves
• Lemon slices

Method: Combine 19 Crimes Martha's Chard with peach nectar and elderflower liqueur. Add fresh mint leaves and lemon slices.

Pick Up a 19 Crimes Wine in Chicago at Uncork It

At Uncork It Chicago, we maintain a complete stock of 19 Crimes wines, including limited editions and seasonal releases. Visit our store at 393 East Illinois Street or call (312) 321-9400 for availability. Our website www.uncorkitchicago.com shows real-time inventory. We offer same-day delivery within Chicago city limits. Email uncorkit393@yahoo.com for special orders or large events.