Cameron Winery -- sustainably farmed, non-irrigated, Oregon pinot noir and chardonnay

How to Name Your Winery

The first line of business in creating a successful winery is coming up with a name. There are a number of useful strategies in this regard for creating something memorable. One idea in vogue at present is to follow a personal name with a geological feature (for example, crest, ridge, valley, cul de sac). Note that first names are not so catchy (e.g. “Steve’s Ridge” “Carl’s Wetlands” or “Dick’s Depression”).

Naming your winery after an animal is very popular. “Stag’s Leap”, “Frog’s Leap”, “Arley’s Leap” and “Duck Pond” are taken but other attractive names are still available: “Pigs Fly” and “Goose Chase.”

Creating Pedigree: A little faux French is popular (e.g. Domaine, Chateau or Clos) as it suggests that you’ve actually been in the wine business for more than 6 months. It will give even a modest enterprise the patina of erudition.

Why do you want to do this?

The answer to this question falls under one of 3 categories:

1. You’re bored with your MD or MBA
2. You can’t find a Job with your PhD
3. You don’t have a high school diploma

Which winery model is right for you?

1. You need a boutique winery in your portfolio to give your multinational corporation street credit.
2. You made too much money in the pharmaceutical industry and want to flaunt your outrageous wealth and pretend to launch a fledgling wine industry into the “Big Leagues.”
3. You’re some poor misguided schmuck who actually loves wine and has home winemaking experience.