Wine Label Design
You only get one chance to make a first impression.
Trust an experienced, award-winning wine label designer to make the most of that moment!
Your label isn’t just art. It’s an investment. Like your logo, your label has a job to do and should be judged by whether it’s doing its job. Research says that a label is responsible for between 50% and 75% of a wine purchasing decision.
You need to be visible, readable and memorable. Beyond that, your label needs to communicate the value and values of your wine. It needs to be and do all of that – at a single glance. That’s just the way this market is now.
Wine labels also have to work within federal labeling requirements. We know the rules, recognize potential problems early, and can help you understand the practical options. Read our guide to TTB wine label requirements and COLAs.
When you are ready to talk about your brand, label or other project, feel free to hit our Start a Conversation link and we’ll make contact.
Below are some examples of beautiful, intentional design work done for our clients.
STRATA VARIA
Expansive Vision
A geological expedition across the state of Washington captured in wine. Artist Katie Riem’s landscape painting wraps each bottle, revealing a 350-mile journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Cascade mountains, desert landscape of the mid-Columbia and wheatfields of the Palouse. “Strata Varia” (Latin for “different layers”) connects the wine’s complexity to the land’s geological story.
REVELATION
By women for women
Revelation by Goose Ridge was created by three generations of strong, confident, capable women for other women who also fit that description. The label features a painting by Katie Small. A capsule was omitted for both aesthetic and sustainability purposes.
Awards and Recognition
Silver Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
Sanctuary Cellars
Unwind in Good Company
Sanctuary Cellars sits amidst an animal sanctuary along Canyon Lake, just outside New Braunfels, Texas. Guests enjoy their wine while watching wild animals interact in their natural habitat.
We chose lush green for the label to communicate balance, harmony and the beauty of nature, then contrasted that with Rose Gold foil to convey tranquility while adding sparkle. This combination is especially striking on their Rosé wines.
The imagery was created to represent the sweet interaction between members of the animal kingdom.
Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2023
2025 American Package Design Award
Featured in Graphic Design USA Magazine, May 2025 Issue
Windhorse
Packaging that Communicates Values
Sustainability is an important issue these days. Many of the brands we serve want their customers to know of their commitment to sustainable farming and caring for the planet. None more so than Windhorse Wines.
We communicate their values through the use of color, imagery and story. We then solidify that position by prominently displaying Salmon Safe and LIVE certifications on the brand label.
Omission of a capsule was both a waste-reduction measure and an aesthetic choice.
Awards and Recognition
Pinot Noir
American Package Design Award, 2023
Spotlighted in Graphic Design USA Magazine, May 2023
Lost Oak
New Era for an Iconic Texas Winery
With a generational leadership transition, Lost Oak Winery turned to us to overhaul its brand. They wanted to create a fresh, fun and welcoming identity that builds its image as “your neighborhood winery”.
The traditional grape-leaf logo and dark, elegant styling are gone; in their place, a casual, bold brand and packaging that feels comfortable, yet upscale.
Awards and Recognition
Shiraz Label
Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2023
Merlot Label
American Graphic Design Award, 2023
Tempranillo Label
Silver Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2023
BADGER MOUNTAIN VINEYARDS
An Organic Brand Overhaul
Badger Mountain Vineyards asked us to elevate their packaging while preserving the brand’s identity as an Organic wine producer.
For years, Badger Mountain’s cobalt blue bottles and blue labels have been recognizable within Washington’s wine industry. To preserve that brand equity, we leaned into the cobalt and worked to amplify its impact on the shelf.
Awards and Recognition
Silver Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2025
Love the Girls
Rosé with an empathetic mission
Sara Nelson Design collaborated with Debbie Driscoll, owner of Southern Cross Winery to create a fundraising project called “Love the Girls!” The back labels raise awareness of Triple Negative Breast Cancer; profits fund hardship grants for families dealing with the financial strain that often accompanies cancer treatment.
To maximize educational impact, we created four different back labels that alternate on the roll, each delivering a distinct message about this lesser-known form of breast cancer.
Awards and Recognition
American Package Design Award, 2023
Warr-King
Built on Craftsmanship & Hospitality
The Warr-King brand was inspired by the gracious hospitality and impeccable craftsmanship of the Craftsman era. A striking poppy, period-specific font and copper foil evoke both an era and an attitude.
Awards and Recognition
Lily Frances Petit Verdot Rosé Wine Label
American Graphic Design Award, 2022
American Package Design Award, 2018
San Francisco International Wine Label Awards, 2019
Red Wine Labels
American Graphic Design Award, 2021
Double Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2021
Tenacity Wine Label
Silver Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2020
Super Saxy Wine Label
Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2023
American Graphic Design Award, 2023
Song 2 Wine Label
Explohr
Curiosity Uncorked
Rob Wohr wanted a brand that sparked curiosity and invited exploration into the world of wine. He also wanted his tasting room to be inclusive. At first, the plan was to have some sort of small sign on the entry door.
From the ground up, we crafted Explohr shaping everything from the name (the atypical spelling was a reflection of his last name) and visual identity to the tagline and wine label design.
For Rob’s “explohratory” winemaking adventures, we pushed boundaries, creating a series of six labels that, when viewed together, reveal a full spectrum of color—a decidedly more overt “welcome” than was intended, but one that he wholeheartedly embraced. Using both transparent and opaque holographic films, we designed packaging that shifts with the light, drawing the eye and inviting discovery—just like the atypical wines within. And the back label copy, is nothing more than the brand tagline—Seek. Find. Love. Wine.
Awards and Recognition
American Graphic Design Award, 2022
Silver, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
DR. DIRT
Honoring a “Rock” Star
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.
Awards and Recognition
Best of Class in Surface Design Category, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Label Design Competition, 2026
Maniq
Shining a light on Bipolar Disorder
This wine brand was born from a personal struggle with bipolar disorder. We photographed both sides of Khrischen’s painted mannequin—his canvas during depressive episodes—creating front and back labels that capture the condition’s duality.
The manic state is represented by full color on one side, depression by black and white on the other.
Each bottle includes a neck tag with messages of grace and hope combined with mental health resources, turning wine into a platform for mental health awareness.
Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2025.
Third Place, Wine Business Monthly Pack Awards, 2025, Luxury Division
Capital Call
Investing in Awe
Some investments go beyond the balance sheet. Capital Call Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold bet on excellence—crafted by Capital Call Vintners for those who take risks, trust their instincts and celebrate the wins, big and small.
Each bottle is individually numbered, reinforcing its exclusivity and the rarity of a truly exceptional vintage. Invisible UV-activated ink unveils hidden details under black light. Because awe is always worth the investment.
Awards and Recognition
Silver Medal, Ornate Category, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Label Design Competition, 2026
American Package Design Award, 2021
Silver, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
Lost Cities of Texas
An invitation to TXplore!
This evocative label honors one of Texas’ fabled lost cities through a stylized surveyor’s marker featuring the town’s coordinates, elevation and founding date. The back label recounts Desdemona’s dramatic boom-and-bust history, while the neck label invites wine lovers to “TXPLORE”.
These bottles, each recognizing a different lost city of Texas, anchor a marketing campaign encouraging consumers to explore the state’s forgotten places.
Awards and Recognition
Silver Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2025
Long Cork
Does Size Matter?
Born from a debate about whether cork length influences wine quality, this wine makes its case with an extra-long 2.25” cork. The packaging seamlessly combines screen printing with a paper label embossed and coated in soft-touch varnish to mimic the tactile feel of natural cork. The delightful back label copy encourages you to decide: “does size matter?”
Awards and Recognition
Gold Medal + Grand Star Award, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2025
Best of Class in Whimsical Category, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Label Design Competition, 2026
Laterus
The Perfect Match of Foil and Flavor
Laterus Winery embodies evolution—wines that shift and surprise. Our flexible label design allows foil color changes without new tooling costs. Each wine has a distinct look, yet maintains brand unity: Rose Gold foil for delicate Rosé, classic Gold for crisp whites, and bold inky Blue for “The Big Dark.” Heavy foil use delivers elegance and impact, mirroring the craftsmanship within.
Awards and Recognition
The Big Dark
Gold Medal + Best in Category, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2023
American Package Design Award, 2023
Mana Vintners
Inspired by Mana Wahine
Honoring “Mana Wahine”—women of strength and influence. We created an angular tribal-inspired logo in gold foil, contrasting with elegantly stylized Hawaiian flowers and bold colors. The finished label demands attention: gold foil catches light, the emboss begs to be touched, and textured paper elevates the experience. Cultural reverence is wrapped here in unapologetic luxury.
Awards and Recognition
Blanc de Blancs
Silver Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2025
Elk Haven
Legacy Intertwined with Fine Wine
Elk Haven Winery’s bottles tell stories of place, heritage and the people behind them. We created a three-tier identity that brings this to life:
- White wines feature transparent labels with an elk standing proudly on the front while the back label reveals the Yakima River landscape from their Benton City, WA tasting room visible through the bottle.
- The core tier focuses on the Elk Haven logo—a combination of wine glass and elk antlers.
- Reserve wines honor special people in the owners’ lives by weaving their cyphers into the designs.
Awards & Recognition
Mentor & Friend Label
Gold Medal + Best in Category, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
Confluence
Double Gold Medal + Best in Category Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
American Package Design Award, 2023
American Graphic Design Award, 2022
Live Happy Lane
You CAN buy happiness!
Many of Live Happy Lane’s labels feature multimedia works by Ashley Ellis. These delightful pieces incorporate upcycled items like shotgun shells, forks and keys, transforming everyday objects into artistic expressions that mirror the wine’s joyful spirit.
Awards & Recognition
SWAG Label
American Graphic Design Award, 2022
Be Bold Montepulciano Label
American Package Design Award, 2023
Gold Medal & Best in Category, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
Mesmer-eyes Red Blend Label
Gold Medal + Best in Category, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2022
SVV
Gift Giving in China
SVV wine set its sights on China from day one, specifically targeting the country’s corporate gifting market. But first, it needed to establish credibility as a premium California wine.
Our design strategy reflected this dual purpose: clean, subtle, low-contrast aesthetic with strategic metallic elements to elevate perceived luxury value. The understated elegance resonated in both markets while positioning SVV as a sophisticated gift worthy of important business relationships.
Once both wine and label design accumulated enough prestigious awards to establish unquestionable credibility as “high-end California wine,” SVV moved into the Chinese market with the proof points needed to command premium positioning.
Awards & Recognition
People’s Choice, Wines & Vines Pack Expo, 2015
American Package Design Award, 2014
Tucannon Cellars
Nature never looked so good!
Auroral stands out, a striking outlier in Tucannon Cellars’ lineup. Inspired by the Northern Lights, the label reflects the ethereal movement and shifting hues of this rare phenomenon.
Printed on iridescent paper, it captures the light and color variations of the real aurora, creating a dynamic, ever-changing effect that invites interaction. The result is a label that draws people in—one they can’t help but touch. For those who have experienced the magic of an aurora firsthand, it revives powerful memories and sparks animated conversation.
Awards & Recognition
Auroral
Silver, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2025
Goose Mountain
Showcasing Your Finest
Washington State’s newest AVA, Goose Gap, lies between the celebrated Red Mountain and Horse Heaven Hills appellations. Its defining geographical feature is the long, low ridge of Goose Mountain—perfect terrain for growing exceptional wine grapes.
To honor this remarkable setting and the excellent wine made here, we chose elements that signal luxury: super heavy tapered glass, a large textured paper label, rich colors, deep emboss and matte gold foil. A custom foil capsule features its own mark—a G with a feather through it.
Insider tip: Turned horizontally, the feather becomes an illustrated map of Goose Mountain.
Awards and Recognition
American Package Design Award, 2021
American Graphic Design Award, 2021
Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2020
Cedar River Cellars
Branding Precision
Precision winemaking defines Cedar River Cellars. To bring that value to life visually, we combined the color and concentric rings of cedar with the graceful waves of a river. The result: a highly memorable brand merging water’s natural course with the geometric precision of stylized cedar rings—capturing both the organic and the exact.
Awards and Recognition
American Package Design Award, 2021
Gold Medal, Lone Star International Wine Label Competition, 2020
Ravissant
Cultivating Connections
One of the “fast comers” among wine regions of the United States is Southern Oregon. Ravissant Cellars has one of the most amazing settings in that region, set among the vineyards atop Carpenter Hill. From the start, the goal was to create a brand and label that spoke elegance and luxury at a glance.