The Noble Pig Mystery


I have had an abundance of emails asking me about the name of this blog, Noble Pig.  I guess it's time to dispel the myth.  Not that there is one.

I have always had a partiality to the pig, an obvious un-stately farm animal.  It's hard to pin down where my appeal with pigs originated in the first place.  I have never lived on a farm.

However, before I knew what was happening I had amassed a collection of pig objects and tres chic pig art in my home.  (This was a long time ago).  I became fixated with "anything pig" and would actively seek out products that mentioned or resembled this animal.  Strange I know.

In my many quests of pig d'Objects d'Art I realized I was not the only pig fanatic (freak) out there, proven by the vast amount of pig paraphernalia available.

On a small trip to San Francisco in my early twenties, an Asian man at a street fair told me I was born in the year of the pig (boar), according to the Chinese calendar.  For whatever reason it validated my feelings about the pig, a deal sealer in a way, and the pig has always stuck with me. 

Now, fast forward 15 years and you couldn't find anything in my house that resembles a pig or pig art except for a small lantern on my kitchen table.  It is the pig lantern that sits on every table at Morton's of Chicago Steakhouse, and is a  sentimental reminder of the Wild Boar who bought it for me before we were married.

So when I decided the wine business was the direction I was heading I needed a name.  Having the winery named after my family name or a geographical area didn't work for me. 

For other's, that direction in naming is a good fit.  And back when the wine world was less traditional that was alright.  But for me, it just doesn't sum up who I am or the light-heartedness I want to portray. 

That's where the name the Noble Pig Winery was born.  It suited me.  Not that a pig suits me, well I do eat a lot, but I just like the name.  It's not intimidating.  I don't think wine needs to be so serious all the time. 

I think the Noble Pig name is unique and incorporates status with an unlikely candidate, the pig. 

I know, so many people feel the wine world does not need another "critter label"  but I feel the same way about the other names that are out there as well.

I wanted a label that was entertaining and could satisfy a niche in the market for those folks who are looking for a unique and quality wine product that is not pretentious.

I also do not want the fun part to be confused with not being serious.  I am very serious about wine and winemaking in general.  However, if I am going to be doing this for the rest of my life, I want to be entertained.  At least slightly. 

So, the brand itself will be meant to amuse its consumers while they enjoy a very high-quality wine.  Good deal don't you think?

I find that people who love wine as I do, are generally happy individuals who enjoy life and love to connect to a product for many of their own personal reasons.

Let's also not forget the pig fanatics out there who will go far and wide to seek out distinctive merchandise that incorporates this animal just so that it can be in their house or on their dinner table.  It's really quite a phenomenon.  (Been there done that.)

Only certain animals seem to have this appeal that drives people to actively seek out things that reflect their image.  One's that come to mind are cows, frogs, roosters and PIGS.  Oh yes, especially PIGS!

I'm sure one day I will throw Pig Roast Harvest Parties and send out my winery newsletter called, "A Pig's Tale".  But for now those are distant goals.  I need to get that vineyard planted first.

Overall, I want the name, Noble Pig Wines to be reflective of a serious but light-hearted brand that is willing to take risks.

I imagine the label on the bottle to be simple with a black-stamped pig wearing a gold-foiled crown, much like you see above.  I feel it's an intriguing enough design that will feign interest among those staring at the wine wall at the grocery store.  At least I have to believe that.

So now a solid, realistic business plan is most important, one that will remain flexible with the always changing and fickle wine market.  A plan that incorporates my goals, plans and aspirations for the next 50 years.  That's daunting.

So to run away from the many overwhelming tasks that constantly loom over me, such as writing an iron-clad business plan,  I give wines fun names I would like to produce over the years.

Here are some I have come up with.  I have no idea which varietals they will go with (except for a few).  And of course all names are subject to Tax and Trade Bureau approval as well as Trademark restrictions if any of these wine names already exist.

Enjoy and feel free to name your favorites or come up with new ones!

Noble Pig Winery
"Maker's of Fine, Fat Wine"

"Piggy Bank" Reserve Pinot Noir
"Some Pig" Reserve Chardonnay
"When Pig's Fly" Pinot Rose
"A Pig's Life" Chardonnay
Pig Pen
Pig Jig
Polka Dot Pig
Square Pig (one that need's to be aged)
Pig Parade
A Pig's Tail
Curly Tail
Pig's On Parade
Pigopolis
Portly Pig
Pig Latin
Pig E Bank
Piglicious
Oinker!
Pig Out
Hindquarter's
Pig-nic
Pigorama
Franks-n-Beans (the wineries cash-flow wine)
Makin' the Bacon
No Swine Wines
Fine Swine Wine
Pigcasso (a blend)
Bourgeoisie Pig
Hog Wild Red
Wild Boar Red
Hogalicious
Happy Hog Red
Brickhouse Red Reserve
Pig's in a Blanket
The Big Bad Wolf (this wine will blow your house down)
Hogzilla

Which one would you buy?

Posted by Noble Pig at Saturday, April 12, 2008 12:14 AM
Categories: uncategorized

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