Project: Smith Story

Project: Smith Story

SMITH STORY WINE CELLARS

When Smith Story Wine Cellars approached us to design a new label for their sparkling wine as well as to update their current brand, we raised our glasses and said, “cin cin.” We first approached the current logo lockup looking for ways to soften and balance the logo as well as rework the letterforms to exaggerate the shadow. 

We also designed a new family crest to represent both Ali Smith and Eric Story — the founders of Smith Story Wine Cellars — and their respective family. We designed a crest shape that harkens to the past but in a modern way. We also chose a secondary serif font that creates a dynamic hierarchy and helps with the legibility of the label.

For the sparkling wine label, we researched classic champagne and sparkling wine brands, as well as centuries-old botanical illustrations. With this research in mind, we opted to create something classic yet different while still referencing the tradition and history of these brands. 

The Smith Story brand is steeped in a highly personal narrative, so we weren’t surprised that we were asked to include a Hawaiian plumeria lei that Ali wore on her wedding day. We created a custom illustration that bleeds off the edge as it fades and softens near the logo lockup. The design of the back label was not overlooked. Here we included a map with the winery emblem representing the company’s core values as well as marking their home in northern California.

SMITH STORY WINE CELLARS

When Smith Story Wine Cellars approached us to design a new label for their sparkling wine as well as to update their current brand, we raised our glasses and said, “cin cin.” We first approached the current logo lockup looking for ways to soften and balance the logo as well as rework the letterforms to exaggerate the shadow. 

We also designed a new family crest to represent both Ali Smith and Eric Story — the founders of Smith Story Wine Cellars — and their respective family. We designed a crest shape that harkens to the past but in a modern way. We also chose a secondary serif font that creates a dynamic hierarchy and helps with the legibility of the label.

For the sparkling wine label, we researched classic champagne and sparkling wine brands, as well as centuries-old botanical illustrations. With this research in mind, we opted to create something classic yet different while still referencing the tradition and history of these brands. 

The Smith Story brand is steeped in a highly personal narrative, so we weren’t surprised that we were asked to include a Hawaiian plumeria lei that Ali wore on her wedding day. We created a custom illustration that bleeds off the edge as it fades and softens near the logo lockup. The design of the back label was not overlooked. Here we included a map with the winery emblem representing the company’s core values as well as marking their home in northern California.

SMITH STORY WINE CELLARS

When Smith Story Wine Cellars approached us to design a new label for their sparkling wine as well as to update their current brand, we raised our glasses and said, “cin cin.” We first approached the current logo lockup looking for ways to soften and balance the logo as well as rework the letterforms to exaggerate the shadow. 

We also designed a new family crest to represent both Ali Smith and Eric Story — the founders of Smith Story Wine Cellars — and their respective family. We designed a crest shape that harkens to the past but in a modern way. We also chose a secondary serif font that creates a dynamic hierarchy and helps with the legibility of the label.

For the sparkling wine label, we researched classic champagne and sparkling wine brands, as well as centuries-old botanical illustrations. With this research in mind, we opted to create something classic yet different while still referencing the tradition and history of these brands. 

The Smith Story brand is steeped in a highly personal narrative, so we weren’t surprised that we were asked to include a Hawaiian plumeria lei that Ali wore on her wedding day. We created a custom illustration that bleeds off the edge as it fades and softens near the logo lockup. The design of the back label was not overlooked. Here we included a map with the winery emblem representing the company’s core values as well as marking their home in northern California.

WHAT WE DID

• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Packaging design
• Visual identity

WHAT WE DID

• Graphic design
• Illustration
• Packaging
• Visual identity

Photo by Ali Smith Story

West Ridge Studio is a creative agency in Chico, California
specializing in graphic design, packaging, brand and marketing strategy.
Copyright © 2024 West Ridge Studio LLC

West Ridge Studio is a creative agency in Chico, California
specializing in graphic design, packaging, brand and marketing strategy.
Copyright © 2024 West Ridge Studio LLC

West Ridge Studio is a creative agency in Chico, California specializing in graphic design, packaging, brand and marketing strategy.
Copyright © 2024 West Ridge Studio LLC

West Ridge Studio is a creative agency in Chico, California specializing in graphic design, packaging, brand and marketing strategy.
Copyright © 2024 West Ridge Studio LLC