Thursday, March 13, 2008

The Art Nouveau Wine Label



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.

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22 comments:

tangobaby said...

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!

Waterrose said...

Oh how wonderful...I can't wait to get back up that way to see your lovely work! ...and do some wine tasting!

edward and lilly said...

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.

Who likes wine said...

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

Di Overton said...

Absolutely stunning

Allison said...

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.

Sea Glass Things said...

Wow - I am so impressed! That is wonderful to have in your portfolio!! Fantastic blog! Marla

dollface design said...

congratulations!!! that's so amazing, so happy for you♥ that illustration is gorgeous, i love the style & detail of your work!!! absolutely stunning!

layla

Hoi Polloi said...

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

Unknown said...

thanks for popping by...I love your label...wonderful work...so nice to find your blog...

Cheers,
Diana

Anonymous said...

I am a wine label whore and I would sooo buy this wine just for the label!

Curly Girl Glass said...

Wow Cara, really beautiful work! Fantastic!

Don't forget your neighbor if you get samples... ;)

Hadley Makes said...

Congrats. It truly is lovely.

Mrs.French said...

I am humbled by your talent...thanks for stopping by my blog. I will be back!

Trish's Soapy Blessings said...

Love this design. You do such beautiful work!

Joanna Goddard said...

LOVE this! how glamorous and beautiful. xojoanna

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

Lucky you! or should I say talented your! So sweet!

pve design said...

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!

Prêt à Voyager said...

That's so cool! Congratulations! I always shop wine by label anyway ;)

Anne

Unknown said...

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.~

Betina Sandra Guelman said...

LOVE this! how glamorous and beautiful

This Makes My Day said...

Very stylish wine label! I love it just like your work a lot! Love it!

Have a great day!