Brand Protection & Authentication

KURZ and Willi Opitz: Product Protection Against Wine Counterfeiting

Wine counterfeiting is a growing problem worldwide. It poses a risk to consumers and significantly damages the image of producers. The internationally renowned Willi Opitz winery in Illmitz, Burgenland, is also affected by this development. The winemaker was therefore looking for a solution that would offer consumers greater security.

settembre 26, 2025

“Our wines bear our signature and reflect our values. We see it as our responsibility to protect our customers from counterfeits and guarantee them absolute safety when enjoying our products.”

Willi Opitz, Winemaker

Wine labels with security features: The POLE POSITION^® Series

At the heart of the project is an exclusive wine security label that combines premium design with robust protection. For the POLE POSITION^® series by Willi Opitz, which draws inspiration from his passion for motorsports, the developed label makes counterfeiting more difficult while visually reinforcing the premium quality of the wine.

The design merges motorsport-inspired elements with metallic highlights and holographic flag motifs, integrated with advanced product protection technology. The label becomes a visible symbol of authenticity and excellence.

TRUSTSEAL^® Technology: Protection Against Imitation

The TRUSTSEAL^® technology developed by KURZ is a proven method for effectively preventing imitations and unauthorized copies. It combines visual appeal with unique security features that are nearly impossible to replicate.

Diffractive structures create striking visual dynamics depending on the viewing angle. Dark elements glow green when tilted. A combination of static and dynamic effects produces a three-dimensional look. Grayscale elements change brightness as the label is moved.

“With TRUSTSEAL^® we combine top-level security with a strong brand experience. Each label becomes a distinctive mark that guarantees authenticity while strengthening brand identity.”

Jürgen Scheuer, Sales Manager

Wine Protection Means Trust

The success of Willi Opitz’s wines is rooted not only in craftsmanship but in a deep commitment to authenticity in winemaking. A wine should reflect its origin, its character, and its quality.

The new TRUSTSEAL^® security label makes this philosophy tangible. Its special texture, inspired by the surface of a Formula 1 track, and the visual effect of a checkered flag convey both dynamism and sophistication. At the same time, it acts as a visible seal of integrity and originality that offers consumers confidence at the point of sale.

Media Attention: ORF Interview with Willi Opitz and KURZ

The public relevance of this topic is also reflected in the significant media attention it has received. In late July 2025, ORF broadcast an exclusive interview with Willi Opitz and Jürgen Scheuer. The segment aired on both ORF 1 and ORF 2 and highlights the importance of product authenticity and protection in a wine-producing country like Austria.