Adonna Wines: Beauty Blooms Where Intention Takes Root


Deliverables
Brand Strategy
Visual Identity
Illustration
Messaging
Packaging
Apparel
Print
Digital

Team
Shawn Scott
Brand Strategy, Art Direction, Identity Designer, Illustrator
Eric Wolfinger
Photography

Adonna Wines is a luxury, limited-production wine brand rooted in the Russian River Valley and inspired by the Japanese philosophy of Ichigo Ichie, the idea that every moment is singular and unrepeatable. Our collaboration with vintner Donna Kato, was an opportunity to express the deep meaning of her personal journey, the heritage of Canfield Vineyard, and the quiet depth of intention behind every bottle.

Developing the brand identity for Adonna, spanned strategic positioning, storytelling, identity design, packaging, print, apparel, and digital experience. The work balances restraint and expressiveness, pairing refined typography and custom illustration with tactile materials that elevate the wine from a product into a meaningful object.

Subtle references to Donna’s Japanese heritage are woven throughout the identity. “The brand’s emblem, the ginkgo leaf, reflects Kato’s personal story as much as her cultural roots. The ginkgo is revered for its fortitude and longevity—traits that have defined her life and career. It also pays tribute to her four sons.” - Forbes

The label artwork draws inspiration from traditional Japanese block printing and textile making, translated through a contemporary lens to feel timeless. These details create a layered narrative that honors Donna’s heritage while remaining grounded in place and craft.

The result is a brand that feels both intimate and enduring. Adonna Wines reflects Donna’s resilience, heritage, and mantra that beauty blooms where intention takes root, inviting wine lovers into a thoughtful relationship with the land, the maker, and the fleeting moments captured in each bottle.

Adonna’s website was designed as an integrated brand and ecommerce platform, pairing a storytelling driven front-end with a members-only allocation purchasing system. The ecommerce integration supports limited quantities, and California compliance, allowing purchases without unnecessary friction. Together, the system balances refined brand expression with practical, scalable ecommerce functionality built to support future releases and growth.