The Challenge
Jakkalsdans is a very small, family-run winery — cultivated in the spare time of a husband, wife, and their three children. Despite their size, they had earned a loyal following, and as the couple approached retirement, they hoped to turn the winery into a full-time venture and a legacy for the next generation.
Without any formal branding in place, they needed an identity that could establish them in the market while setting them apart. Their vision was clear: no stale monograms or historic seals, but something artistic, whimsical, and as unique as the Western Cape landscape itself. They wanted a brand that could capture the playful character of their wines and the intimate nature of their family story.

The Concept
The inspiration came directly from the land and its character: the Cape Jackal. The farm was already called Jakkalsdans (“Jackal’s Dance”) because of the way jackals would call at night and dart across the land — a wild, joyful movement that felt alive. Rather than use the jackal as a traditional family symbol, I reimagined it as the heart of the brand: expressive, playful, and full of personality.
This personality guided every choice — from whimsical illustrations to bold yet approachable typography. The brand needed to feel fun and accessible, while still carrying the premium quality expected of a wine label.

The Solution
Because there was no brand foundation, the work spanned every touchpoint: a full logo suite, functional color palette, typography system, illustrated brand pattern, and collateral design. At the center was the wine itself, with flagship bottle labels and boxes designed to embody the character of each varietal.
The jackal illustrations became the stars of the identity: one sipping wine, another dancing, another dressed as a gentleman in waistcoat and top hat, and a lady jackal in a wide-brimmed hat. Each playful character represented the unique flavor notes and personality of its wine. The premium nature of the brand came through in materiality — textured paper for boxes and labels, rich color choices, and rustic finishes that balanced authenticity with elegance.

The Outcome
Though the project was ultimately paused for internal reasons, early feedback from industry contacts affirmed that the identity was hitting the mark. The branding positioned Jakkalsdans as a bold outlier in a traditional market, with a storytelling-led approach that appealed to a younger, more artistic generation of wine enthusiasts.
It proved that wine branding doesn’t need to be pretentious — it can be fun, approachable, and deeply tied to the land it comes from.