На сайте используются cookie файлы
The site uses cookie files
Данный сайт имеет возрастное ограничение!
This site has age restrictions!
Я подтверждаю, что мне, увы, уже давно исполнилось 18 лет
Lina and Anatolii Melnyk, founders of the production company and brands Shnurok.ua and Lanyard.ua, have worked in the lanyard and promotional textile industry for more than 25 years. Today, their patented invention has evolved from a charming accessory into a fully fledged modern marketing tool, helping beverage brands step confidently onto the premium stage. Drinks+ spoke with the company’s founders to learn how a simple promotional lanyard has turned into a powerful communication instrument.
How did your company begin, and what led you to the idea of creating the Wine Lanyard?
Our company has long specialised in producing branded items: badge lanyards, keychains, tote bags and a wide range of promotional textile products. Our motto is simple: even the smallest detail must work effectively for the brand.
The turning point came in 2013, when a client – the organiser of one of Ukraine’s leading wine festivals – approached us with a request for a branded glass holder, essentially a mini‑bag featuring the festival’s logo.
What captured your interest in this project?
The idea was so fresh and intriguing that we immediately immersed ourselves in it. We approached the task creatively and suggested combining a badge lanyard with a wine glass.
Firstly, it’s convenient for festival guests – no need to constantly pull the glass out of a bag, and their hands remain free for photos or food. Secondly, an unbranded glass paired with a branded holder resembled a badge, merging functionality with visual identity.
Lina and I spent several days working on the construction, searching for the right sewing model. Out of dozens of prototypes, we finally created a “garment” for the glass made from a ribbon. It felt as if a perfectly tailored dress had just hit the runway. The glass, paired with the ribbon, transformed into an elegant branded tasting pouch.
The client was delighted: instead of two separate products – a badge lanyard and a glass pouch – they received one branded, functional accessory. That was the beginning of the evolution of what we later named the Wine Lanyard.
But today your Wine Lanyard looks completely different. How did the transformation unfold?
In the following seasons, the festival repeated its orders – and each time the glass changed, we adjusted the ribbon size and developed new patterns. Then new clients arrived, bringing their own glassware, and we adapted our invention to different shapes.
One day, we were given a glass of an unusual form – the ribbon simply couldn’t hold it. We returned to creative problem-solving and came up with the idea of replacing one ribbon element with an elastic one. This simple change became a breakthrough: we had invented a universal holder suitable for various types of glasses.
How did the idea emerge to turn an exhibition accessory into a gift item?
Quite naturally. During one of our trips, we visited a winery for a tasting. The location was beautiful, but we kept walking around with glasses in our hands while trying to take photos. We were balancing like circus performers, trying not to spill the wine while capturing the beauty around.
At that moment, I thought: “If only we had our Wine Lanyard right now.” We suggested the idea to the winery owner, and he immediately agreed. Now his guests can stroll freely, take photos, chat, stop at scenic spots and enjoy tastings comfortably. And they receive a branded Wine Lanyard as a functional souvenir, which they can use on future trips or picnics.
What does the Wine Lanyard represent today?
The evolution continues. We keep refining our invention. Recently, we developed a travel model – a holder paired with a shatterproof glass. Thanks to high-quality fittings and adjustable length, the Wine Lanyard now resembles a fashion accessory.
Depending on branding and configuration, the Wine Lanyard can serve as a festive gift, a stylish wedding or anniversary accessory, a brand element or a carrier of corporate identity at various events. It’s a highly practical item that is gaining popularity among wine professionals and wine lovers – both in Ukraine and abroad.
Successful products often attract imitators. How do you protect your invention?
We have secured patents for our invention in Ukraine and across Europe. Every Wine Lanyard holder carries a branded tag confirming its quality and origin.
The Wine Lanyard has become a stylish part of one’s look – a symbol of lifestyle, good wine, freedom and an appreciation for detail.
We invite winemakers, wine shop owners and festival organisers to collaborate. Our ambition is to see this Ukrainian invention become a global standard in tasting culture. After all, freedom suits everyone – especially when paired with a glass of good wine.
Лого + @winelanyard
20.02.2025
25.06.2024
