Dr. Dirt

When Steve Bruere, a partner in Capital Call, set out to create a wine honoring his business partner—legendary soil scientist Dr. Alan Busacca—it didn’t take long for the design direction to become clear! Known for doing the research and paperwork to secure AVA designations in countless wine regions, Alan (also known as Dr. Dirt) is as bold and gregarious as the landscapes he has defined. The design had to be equally unforgettable.

Shortly after being commissioned to design this label, Sara attended a tradeshow where she stumbled across the textured bottle that was perfect for the Dr. Dirt brand.

Gold foil on black paper gives the label weight and authority, while quirky typography flecked with “dirt” adds personality and reinforces the brand name. And, of course, Alan’s trademark turquoise ring and cuff make an appearance in the custom illustration created by Sara Nelson Design’s Illustrator, Emma Falayev. A non-traditional neck label featuring Alan’s signature provides a nod to his wine industry Rock Star status. The bottle was appropriately finished with a dollop of gold wax: A fitting tribute to a man who mapped the land—and shaped the industry.

Emma Falayev, illustrator

Best of Class in Surface Design Category, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Label Design Competition, 2026