GKLR: A Brand Reimagined by Marilyn & Sons

From the heart of Heathcote to a career in geology and back again, the story of GKLR is one of evolution, balance, and a deep connection to the land. This husband-and-wife duo, Gerard Kennedy and Lucy Runnalls, grew up immersed in Australian wine culture but took a different path before returning to craft something uniquely their own. By introducing alternative wine varieties into an established region, GKLR offers a fresh perspective while paying homage to the traditions and lessons of the past.

Tasked with creating a brand that would help GKLR establish itself in Australia’s competitive wine market, Marilyn & Sons turned to the couple’s dynamic narrative and Gerard’s geological expertise as the foundation of the brand identity. The result is a story that intertwines science and instinct, structure and fluidity, tradition and innovation.

GKLR’s philosophy is geology—a discipline rooted in empirical knowledge and certainty about what lies beneath the surface. Yet, as the natural world demonstrates, even the most solid foundations are subject to transformation through heat, pressure, and time. This mirrors the couple’s journey and winemaking approach, blending scientific precision with an intuitive understanding developed through years of hands-on experience. Everything formed has the potential to reform—creating something entirely new, rediscovering something old, or merging the two in unexpected ways.

Marilyn & Sons built the GKLR brand around the concept of Form + Reform, capturing both the grounded and exploratory nature of the winery. A classic serif typeface and a black-and-white primary color palette establish a timeless and unpretentious aesthetic, reflecting the brand’s authenticity and dedication to quality. In contrast, a flexible logo system and an extensive supporting color palette introduce an element of adaptability, allowing the brand to evolve while staying true to its core identity.

The wine labels themselves are a testament to this philosophy. Inspired by geological drawings, they feature organic shapes, vibrant colors, and delicate textures reminiscent of Heathcote’s soil and bedrock cross-sections. Each label’s color palette is carefully chosen to reflect the character of the wine within, bridging the visual language of geology with the artistry of winemaking.

For over two decades, Marilyn & Sons has been a strategic creative partner for brands of all sizes, helping them clarify their identities and craft compelling narratives. With a keen understanding of branding and long-term brand management, the studio approaches each project with both attention to detail and a holistic perspective. Their work on GKLR exemplifies their ability to translate a brand’s essence into a design that not only tells a story but also ensures longevity and adaptability in an ever-evolving market.

GKLR: A Brand Reimagined by Marilyn & Sons

From the heart of Heathcote to a career in geology and back again, the story of GKLR is one of evolution, balance, and a deep connection to the land. This husband-and-wife duo, Gerard Kennedy and Lucy Runnalls, grew up immersed in Australian wine culture but took a different path before returning to craft something uniquely their own. By introducing alternative wine varieties into an established region, GKLR offers a fresh perspective while paying homage to the traditions and lessons of the past.

Tasked with creating a brand that would help GKLR establish itself in Australia’s competitive wine market, Marilyn & Sons turned to the couple’s dynamic narrative and Gerard’s geological expertise as the foundation of the brand identity. The result is a story that intertwines science and instinct, structure and fluidity, tradition and innovation.

GKLR’s philosophy is geology—a discipline rooted in empirical knowledge and certainty about what lies beneath the surface. Yet, as the natural world demonstrates, even the most solid foundations are subject to transformation through heat, pressure, and time. This mirrors the couple’s journey and winemaking approach, blending scientific precision with an intuitive understanding developed through years of hands-on experience. Everything formed has the potential to reform—creating something entirely new, rediscovering something old, or merging the two in unexpected ways.

Marilyn & Sons built the GKLR brand around the concept of Form + Reform, capturing both the grounded and exploratory nature of the winery. A classic serif typeface and a black-and-white primary color palette establish a timeless and unpretentious aesthetic, reflecting the brand’s authenticity and dedication to quality. In contrast, a flexible logo system and an extensive supporting color palette introduce an element of adaptability, allowing the brand to evolve while staying true to its core identity.

The wine labels themselves are a testament to this philosophy. Inspired by geological drawings, they feature organic shapes, vibrant colors, and delicate textures reminiscent of Heathcote’s soil and bedrock cross-sections. Each label’s color palette is carefully chosen to reflect the character of the wine within, bridging the visual language of geology with the artistry of winemaking.

For over two decades, Marilyn & Sons has been a strategic creative partner for brands of all sizes, helping them clarify their identities and craft compelling narratives. With a keen understanding of branding and long-term brand management, the studio approaches each project with both attention to detail and a holistic perspective. Their work on GKLR exemplifies their ability to translate a brand’s essence into a design that not only tells a story but also ensures longevity and adaptability in an ever-evolving market.