Downton Distillery

Precision, integrity and craft. Makers after my own heart.

Downton Distillery invited me to design the labels for their first premium Chardonnay Vodka in the spring of 2022. Naturally, pictograms found their way into the storytelling.

And what a lovely little story it is.

Leftover Chardonnay grape skins, known as pomace, are collected from a neighbouring vineyard. They are distilled, left to rest, and bottled in 100% recycled glass. Even the stoppers are made from recycled cork.

The natural distillation waste then goes back next door as compost, ready to feed the ground where the whole process begins again. Another project that chimed with my circular approach to design was the paper label for Downton’s Great Bustard Gin.

This sweet and herbaceous gin was created to support the world’s heaviest flying bird, native to the Wiltshire countryside, by donating a percentage of every bottle sold to the protection of its habitat.

The gin has gone on to win Downton multiple awards, including the 2026 Gin Guide Awards for Design & Branding.

Downton has always been a different kind of client. Smaller, more personal, and one that shares my own laser-like focus on precision, integrity and craft. Their briefs are a delightful chance to blend my skill for distilling stories and ideas with my love for all things artisanal.

Perhaps unsurprising then that Downton also makes my favourite vodkas and gins.

Downton Distillery vodka icon set — The four icons designed to depict the process of converting pomace into vodka.

Downton Distillery Chardonnay Vodka label design — The front and reverse label designs for Downton’s award-winning Chardonnay Vodka.

Downton Distillery Great Bustard animated label design — The award-winning Great Bustard Gin label and bespoke decorative pattern, based on the great bustard’s favourite botanicals: red clover, rocket, lucerne and yarrow.

Downton Distillery Nocino roundel label — Circular labels created for Downton Nocino Liqueurs, designed to hold the required information in a clean and elegant way.

Downton Distillery Explorer's Gin roundel label — The same circular device was then applied to Downton’s signature Explorer’s Gin, for use on their refillable and returnable packs.

Downton Distillery faux video player preview — Click to open the Chardonnay Vodka animation created for a social media campaign.