Sara Nelson Design

08/22/2026

Hops are grown in surprisingly few places in the world. One of them is right here in Washington’s Yakima Valley.

I wanted to share this video by Crosby Farms because unless you’ve spent time around hop country, you may never have seen the unusual way they grow—or the crazy way they’re harvested.

The vines climb tall trellises (strings), then at harvest the whole thing comes down—hops, vines and strings.

And it wasn’t that many years ago that men had to cut those strings by hand, rather than relying on the automated knives used today. It is hot, dusty, sticky, dirty work.

So raise your next beer to the people willing to do the very dirty work that gets those hops from the field to your glass.

08/21/2026

As Sara Nelson Design approaches its 30th anniversary, we’re celebrating six 2026 American Package Design Awards from Graphic Design USA Magazine!

Over the past few weeks, we’ve shared the story behind each winning package. Together, they represent six very different clients, audiences and creative challenges—all brought to life through thoughtful strategy, memorable design and carefully considered production.

Nearly three decades have taught us to listen closely, find the idea worth building around and protect it through every last decision.

These six certificates carry our name alongside the vision, trust and talent of the clients and collaborators who made the work possible. THANK YOU for inviting us into your stories.

08/21/2026

Revelation by Goose Ridge grew 185% nationally. Badger Mountain is forecasting 20-25% growth. See how Sara Nelson Design turns packaging strategy into real sales results.

08/21/2026

We have one final award to share from the 2026 American Package Design Awards—the StrataVaria label!!

Brent Roberts came to us with an expansive vision for a wine brand inspired by Washington State’s remarkable geological diversity and his family’s journey from Walla Walla to San Juan Island. He had already commissioned artist Katie Reim to create a custom illustration—a 350-mile visual journey across the state with a map as the canvas.

Next, we needed a brand name that reinforced the thoughtful illustration.

I suggested exploring ideas around the word “strata.” A few days later, Brent came back with the name “StrataVaria.” It was perfect!

Latin for “different layers,” StrataVaria captures the complexity of the wine and the geological formations represented on the label. Its similarity to Stradivarius—the name associated with some of the world’s most legendary violins—adds an association with amazing craftsmanship.

Coordinates for San Juan Island were added to the neck label, turning the winery’s remote location into a point of intrigue and discovery.

Behind each of these six awards is a client who brought us a meaningful idea and trusted us to carry it into the world. That trust is the real honor.

08/18/2026

ESCAPE Wine received a 2026 American Package Design Award from Graphic Design USA Magazine in the Private Label category!

Created for Goose Ridge Estate Vineyards and Winery as a private label for Skai JacksonESCAPE was designed for outdoor enthusiasts. The non-traditional packaging trades heavy, fragile glass for a lightweight Tetra Pak that travels easily to the lake, the beach or wherever the day may lead!

The bold graphics and vibrant colors were designed to hold their own in a c-store environment where energy drinks set the visual pace. ESCAPE brings that same shelf presence to wine with a distinct outdoor point of view.

The brand is a wonderful reminder that an escape doesn’t have to take you far from home. Sometimes your own backyard is just what you need!

08/17/2026

You’ve heard me talk about the popularity of Alcohol-removed wines. If you’re considering producing an NA wine in your portfolio—reach out to Jimmy at BevZero!!!

08/15/2026

We're excited to share a little recognition for something you see every time you reach for a bottle of Ravissant.

Our wine label has received a 2026 American Package Design Award from Graphic Design USA Magazine! 🏆🍷

The design, created by Sara Nelson, was inspired by the old, twisted vines at our estate vineyard and the connection between people, place, and the moments we share around a bottle of wine.

We’re proud to have a label that captures the character of Ravissant and the vineyard we call home.

08/14/2026

So nice to see Idaho wines and wineries get the attention they deserve!

Are you paying attention to Idaho's wine scene? You should be.

08/13/2026

The Ravissant label also received a 2026 American Package Design Award from Graphic Design USA Magazine!

Rooted in the Rogue Valley, the brand is about cultivating connections—between people, place and the moments we share.

The artwork at the heart of the label is a stylized interpretation of a grapevine, inspired by a few very old vines at their estate vineyard, Carpenter Hill Vineyard.

08/12/2026

Make Every Word Worth Reading.

Writing an email, brochure, proposal or even a thesis?

A few simple techniques can help you capture your reader’s attention — and keep it. Here’s how to make your writing clearer, more engaging and easier to read.

https://saranelson.com/a-dozen-simple-ways-to-improve-readability/