Dakkai, Illegal Wine

Design: Ashley Ketcham
Photography Assistance: William Wikrent
Project Type: Student Project
School: University of Wisconsin Stout
Course: Product and Packaging Graphics
Tutor: Nagesh Shinde
Location: Menomonie, USA
Packaging Contents: Wine
Packaging Substrate / Materials: Glass, Fermenting Bottle
Printing Process: Digital Printing

In 1983, the Sudanese government implemented the Sharia law and prohibited alcohol. All of their remaining alcohol was poured into the Nile River. Today in Sudan, mostly women run these illegal vineyards and breweries at the likely expense of experiencing sexual exploitation with the police. One of the common wines they make is called Dakkai. It is made from fermented dates. The liquid mimics the appearance of apple juice.

What’s Unique?
The goal for the brand was to create visuals dating back to that moment in 1983 when authorities were disposing all of their alcohol into the Nile River. The blue resembles the water of the Nile, and the burlap depicts the desert landscapes of Sudan. Visuals were intended to have a documentary feel. The package has a blend of Arabic and English because those are the two main languages in Sudan.

If this package design were to be produced, it could be suitable for liquor stores that specialize in selling imported goods, such as Cost Plus World Market’s liquor section.