Nico Wine

Brand Designer | Sacramento, CA

Nico Wine is a natural wine bar tucked into Sacramento’s Ice Blocks—a vibrant neighborhood full of character, just like the bar itself. Founded by Nicholas Corich, a former tech professional turned wine enthusiast, Nico Wine was built around the idea that good wine should be fun, unpretentious, and community-driven.

Nicholas (aka Nico) had a clear vision: bright colors, whimsical characters, and a space that felt more like a funky living room than a traditional wine bar. I translated that vision into a bold, joyful brand identity that blends geometric type with playful illustration and a standout palette anchored by “Nico Blue.” One of the most charming details? The brand mascots—stylized characters named Ellie and Nico—were based on Nicholas and his fiancée Ellie, bringing a sweet, personal touch to the visual storytelling.

From the logo system to custom illustrations, every element was crafted to reflect the bar’s offbeat spirit and the vibrant energy of the community it calls home. The identity lives across menus, signage, merchandise, and social media—tying the whole experience together in a way that feels colorful, welcoming, and just a little bit wild—in the best way.