A year and a half ago I was approached by two wonderful young wine makers whom recently relocated from New York City to Walla Walla, Washington. Following their libatious dreams westward, they bought a large acreage, two German Shepherd puppies, and started their own winery. Fans of Art Nouveau style, the vinters approached me to illustrate the label and work together to design a concept for the winery itself.
Located on the North Fork of the Walla Walla River in the foothills of the Blue Mountains, Stella Fino winery pays homage to its Italian roots through both its namesake and old-world Italian wines similar to those found in Montalcino, Italy.
Pictured is my illustration of Stella Fino as she appeared in New York City in the 1920s. The proprietor's great grandmother, she arrived in the United States through Ellis Island in the early 1900s from Italy.
Perhaps my favorite commission piece thus far, I only last week saw the bottle for the first time. You can't tell in the photo, but all of the lettering and the image are raised. In addition, I also painted a 3' x 2' enormous painting of Stella to be framed and hung at the winery. Already reviewed by the San Francisco Chronicle, I think this amazing wine is on its way to greatness. I feel most honored to be a part of it all.
22 comments:
Gorgeous! Love the feather in the hair, the fan.
And I love knowing the story behind the art as much as the art itself. Congratulations and I will look for the wine here in SF.
à votre santé!
Oh how wonderful...I can't wait to get back up that way to see your lovely work! ...and do some wine tasting!
could you work be any more beautiful! i guess that's why you've just been tagged, details are on my blog. please choose to ignore if you don't have time, no offence will be taken.
The original is absolutely amazing....Cara did exactly what we wanted without having to explain it. We love the picture of Stella more and more every time we look at her. We feel truly lucky to have had such talent work on the wine label. The detail of Stella as well as the 'Stella Fino' lettering is unbelievable. Thank you Cara!! Matt and Marlene Steiner, Stella Fino Winery
Absolutely stunning
Oh, love her headpiece! How exciting to see it on the actual bottle of wine after working on it :]
Very eye-grabbing in comparison to boring ol' wine labels.
Wow - I am so impressed! That is wonderful to have in your portfolio!! Fantastic blog! Marla
congratulations!!! that's so amazing, so happy for you♥ that illustration is gorgeous, i love the style & detail of your work!!! absolutely stunning!
♥
layla
What an amazing gig! You are truly "Living the Dream". I am going to add you to the links of artists on my blog- I hope that is ok. I also hope you got lots of free vino as part of the contract ;) Yum
thanks for popping by...I love your label...wonderful work...so nice to find your blog...
Cheers,
Diana
I am a wine label whore and I would sooo buy this wine just for the label!
Wow Cara, really beautiful work! Fantastic!
Don't forget your neighbor if you get samples... ;)
Congrats. It truly is lovely.
I am humbled by your talent...thanks for stopping by my blog. I will be back!
Love this design. You do such beautiful work!
LOVE this! how glamorous and beautiful. xojoanna
Lucky you! or should I say talented your! So sweet!
I too will look for this wine here.
Love the label and surely - that alone must jump out to all who peruse the wine shop for something unique and artful for their table! Love Walla Walla Onions!
Perhaps an Onion label is in store for you! Adding you to my blog roll!
That's so cool! Congratulations! I always shop wine by label anyway ;)
Anne
thank you everyone for all these wonderful comments. i feel so blessed to have come into this project with such incredible people supporting me. i hope the wine is available soon outside of washington state. i'll keep you all posted. cheers.~
LOVE this! how glamorous and beautiful
Very stylish wine label! I love it just like your work a lot! Love it!
Have a great day!
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