JDM ESTATE
Refining a heritage-driven wine & olive oil brand with modern elegance
Project Overview
JDM Estate set out to redefine Yolo County’s wine scene with a brand identity that captures both heritage and modern elegance. Rooted in quality, tradition, and organic craftsmanship, the estate, established in 2021 in the rolling hills of Dunnigan, produces a range of distinctive wine varietals and a premium line of certified organic olive oils. With an emphasis on old-world Italian styles and unique blends, JDM has quickly gained recognition for wines that rival Napa in quality while remaining deeply tied to Woodland’s agricultural roots. In partnership with Uptown Studios, we crafted a brand that balances sophistication with approachability, honoring the estate’s legacy while positioning it for future growth.
Brand Identity, Logo Design, & Labels solely designed by Noël Michienzi during employment at Uptown Studios.
Initial Logo Concepts
The initial brand concepts explored JDM Estate’s defining elements from different perspectives, each highlighting a unique facet of the brand’s story. Every direction emphasized different attributes the estate wanted to bring forward—from heritage and tradition to innovation and approachability. In the end, JDM chose the concept that felt the most timeless, striking a balance that resonates with both seasoned connoisseurs and new customers alike.
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Concept 1: Modern Monogram
SIMPLICITY | STRUCTURED | MODERN
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Concept 2: County Emblem
LUXURY | FLEXIBLE | TIMELESS | CLASSIC
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Concept 3: Coat of Arms
FAMILY CREST | GOD OF WINE & GROWTH | ETERNITY
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Concept 4: Organic Vineyard
GROWTH | POWER | HISTORIC
Initial Wine Label Concepts
After finalizing the logo, we developed four distinct label designs to showcase the range and personality of JDM Estate’s wines. Each label carried its own character—some rooted in tradition, others designed for special reserves or seasonal releases. This exploration allowed the brand to see how different visual directions could support future growth, from everyday bottles to holiday purchases. Ultimately, JDM selected the most modern and elegant label, a design that elevated the brand while reflecting its commitment to sophistication and quality.
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Concept 1
ILLUSTRATIVE | EMBOSSED | NAVY HIGHLIGHT
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Concept 2
FULL COLOR | EMBLEM DEBOSSED | GOLD FOIL STAMP
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Concept 3
GOLD FOIL OAK TREE | DIE-CUT LAYERS | CURVED CUT
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Concept 4
LAYERED PAPER HILLS | GOLD FOIL TREE | NEUTRAL PALETTE
The Final Product
Creative direction balanced elegance and restraint from the brand identity to the premium label designs. The minimalist layouts, subtle iconography, and rich materials helped reflect the brand’s roots and refined offerings. Color stories were developed to visually separate wine and olive oil lines while maintaining harmony across the product family. A mood-forward video piece captured the ambiance of the estate, and the website was designed to serve as a digital tasting room—clean, thoughtful, and easy to navigate.
