I know I swore I’d never start a blog — the romance of print and all that — but I’ve fallen in love, and it’s the kind of love that deserves to be shouted from the digital rooftops:
I love winemaking!
Ok, ok, maybe it’s a bit premature to be falling in love considering that I haven’t actually started winemaking yet. But, I have purchased one barrel each of Syrah and Petite Sirah from Eaglepoint Ranch in Mendocino and am waiting not-so-patiently for the harvest. As I dream about sorting, crushing, fermenting, pressing, aging, branding those juicy grapes into (600 of) my very first bottles of wine, my cheeks flush, my pulse quickens, and my palms begin to sweat. I think it’s clear what’s going on here…
Winemaking, I have a crush on you.
Your cheeks flush, pulse quickens, and palms begin to sweat. Sounds like you’ve had a little too much to drink! Actually, I can’t wait to taste your wine. Will they be smooth, acidic, flavorful, delightful …? Keep us posted via this blog so that we can “taste” them along with you.
Hey! Can’t wait to read the daily poop about the biz. Just finished a glass of wedding shower wine and can’t wait for a taste of yours!
I know it’s not the point, but what name is bestowed on this brand of wine? (And I love the graphic on your blog.)
Thanks, Monique. I’m still playing around with brand names, but leaning toward First Crush Winery — pending trademark approval. Very much to the point, actually, because we need to get started ASAP on a website, label, business cards, etc. You sound like you have something in mind… any other ideas?
Start with the Bottle design, not the website. I would start your thinking by printing out the looks of at least a dozen successful competitors and keep those in front of you, or a line-up of their empty bottles. You want to make a unique statement among them, not just look good.
I like First Crush but you won’t know if it works until you try it out with graphics — I love that photo and that could be very effective. Still, you have to define your brand and your customer. Are you creating a new edgy brand? Or are you going to fit in as a warm inviting inn type brand? A bargain for the young and hip? A sensual experience for the mature, sophisticated palate? That’s what will drive your bottle design, which will drive the rest of your brand.
You are going to have a lot of fun doing this and writing the book about the experience!
I’d buy a bottle or two….(c:
Hey, Sarah –
Sounds like fun. A shame I don’t drink wine. Maybe down the line you’ll consider brewing wine made without grapes.