Two Australian wineries and their innovative packaging will vie for the title of ‘Best of Show’ in the upcoming 49th annual Mobius Awards to be announced on 21 January.

In the Mobius Package Design Awards category, family-owned Taylors Wines and Western Australia’s Larry Cherubino Wines have each had their stand-out labels judged, qualifying them for the major prize of Best of Show.

Both labels are in the running to win the top prize against two Chinese-based and one Hong-Kong based designs.

Originally founded in 1971 in Chicago, the awards showcase and celebrate new trends emerging across advertising and design from across the globe.

South Australia’s Taylors Wines is nominated as a Best of Show finalist for its recently released The Legacy 2014.

The wine, a classic old-world blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot released as part of the family’s 50th anniversary, breaks from the traditional paper-front label and features a metallic, three pronged sculpture that encapsulates the bottle.

On the front of the bottle is Taylor’s signature seahorse emblem, coated in an ultra-rare rhodium finish.

Complementing the stark and powerful design is a protective over-cap that conceals technological advancements in communications and wine security via a Near Field Communication chip installed on the wine’s screwcap.

Owners of this limited wine can access information about the vintage, winemaking and authenticity of the bottle by scanning the chip with their smartphone.

“We’re honoured to be recognised as a finalist for Best of Show at the Mobius Awards. The Legacy symbolises 50 years since my grandfather and father established our family winery in the Clare Valley,” third-generation winemaker and managing director Mitchell Taylor said.

“I commend the team at Denomination Design who have captured this significant milestone for us in such an innovative and considerate way, which has now been recognised as world class by leaders in the industry.”

Taylors’ The Legacy and Larry Cherubino’s Uovo Wines make up the only Australian Best of Show nominees in all categories, with both label designs created by international drinks design specialists Denomination.

“We are delighted that not one – but two – designs from Australian producers have been awarded with such high accolades in an international and highly renowned award program as Mobius,” CEO and co-founder of Denomination Rowena Curlewis said.

“Perhaps it’s because we’re a “new world” country without the restraints of centuries of wine tradition. Perhaps because pushing boundaries is an intrinsic part of our Australian nature.

“Whatever it is, we are making a big impact for our clients in the wine world at large through innovation and creative thinking.”