How A Famed Napa Valley Wine Brand Shifts Cultural Narratives Around Mass Incarceration

The Prisoner has announced the second release of Corrections—the limited-edition series that uses art and wine to shift cultural narratives around mass incarceration. This year, the winery has partnered with the prolific Philadelphia-based artist and activist Jesse Krimes, featuring a detail from his monumental artwork Apokaluptein: 16389067. This seminal artwork series was conceived and accomplished by Krimes from within Federal Prison. Working in collaboration, The Prisoner and Jesse Krimes are proud to release into the world today this Reserve Red Magnum bottling available for purchase here.

Each Corrections release invites artists to explore how a wine label can be used to advocate for prison reform through existing or original works. Winemakers pair that artwork with a vintage exclusive to the release, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a nonprofit partner dedicated to driving prison reform.

"Prison is designed to remove all the societal markings that define you as a person. Art, however, works in contrast to that. Creating Apokaluptein: 16389067 helped me retain a sense of identity that couldn't be taken away," Krimes said. "I hope that Corrections will aid in raising awareness and reaching a much wider audience beyond those who may visit an exhibit or a museum. It's a compelling way to educate on an issue that affects many and to challenge long-held stereotypes about individuals who have been incarcerated."

Click here to purchase a 1.5L bottle of Corrections Reserve Red for $150

Five percent of sales from each Corrections bottle and a direct donation will go towards The Center for Art & Advocacy. This organization, founded by Krimes, is the first artist-led initiative that supports justice-impacted artists nationally. The Center for Art & Advocacy provides financial aid, mentoring, and resources to justice-impacted artists so that they can overcome the challenges they face in traditional arts communities. The primary goal of The Center is to use art as a means of reshaping the criminal justice narrative and promoting social change, racial justice, and equity.

"Corrections is a testament to our belief that art can inspire action and drive social change," said Angela Knotts, Director of The Prisoner. "Through our partnership with Jesse Krimes and The Center for Art & Advocacy, we're proud to support justice-impacted artists and contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding prison reform."

This year’s Corrections release is a 2021 Reserve Red Blend from Napa Valley, representative of the favorite sites, varietals, and winemaking style synonymous with The Prisoner. Winemakers carefully selected the best lots of Malbec and Petite Sirah and combined them with the unique characteristics of Zinfandel, Syrah, and Merlot.

Click here to purchase a 1.5L bottle of Corrections Reserve Red for $150