Our Branding Evolution: Solargraph Labels & Sierra Spice
After ten years with our original look, we set out to create a label that truly reflects Starfield’s sense of place. The new design is built from Solargraphs—long-exposure photographs captured with pinhole cameras on our estate at 2,400′ elevation—and colored to echo the dazzling light we see at sunrise, sunset, and during alpenglow. It’s art, science, and the soul of the vineyard in every bottle. 
“I’m excited to bring my passion for astronomy and photography to the new Starfield labels! The labels are crafted from Solargraphs—long-exposure photos taken with pinhole cameras I built, recorded over five days at 2,400’ elevation on the Starfield Estate. The cameras capture the Sun’s arc as it passes over the forest and vineyards at Starfield. Each image is then colored, inspired by the dazzling light I’ve seen at the vineyard, especially at sunrise, sunset, during periods of alpenglow and the Northern Lights, while reflecting the essence of the wine within, blending art, science, and the soul of the vineyard into every bottle.” – Rob Sinton, Winemaker
What’s a Solargraph?
A Solargraph is a long-exposure image that tracks the arc of the sun across our clear mountain sky. We built and placed the pinhole cameras ourselves; each exposure records light over several days, and then we color the image to match the character of the wine within.
Sierra Spice: A Signature of El Dorado
High-elevation forests border our vineyards. In warm daylight, conifers release aromatic terpenes that drift into the vineyard, creating the bright, woodsy, herb-citrus profile we call Sierra Spice. It’s part of what gives Starfield wines their unmistakable mountain character. (Forest mix: ~Ponderosa Pine 97%, Incense Cedar 2%, Douglas Fir 1%.)
The Iconography on the Label
Every element on the new label points back to place:
-
The ridge line at 2,400′ forms the foreground.
-
The tree line—source of Sierra Spice—marks the horizon.
-
The sun’s arc sweeps the sky.
-
Color fields cue style—from deeper, richer wines to lighter, focused expressions.
-
Wine names nod to local Gold Rush history (e.g., Hope Rising).
Why We Updated the Look
We’re fortunate that our high-elevation sites yield subtle, elegant wines with clear varietal character and a sense of place. Now, the label tells that story at a glance—before the cork is even pulled.
