During a recent trip to Oregon's Hood River with friends, we decided to do some wine tasting. Phelps Creek is located on a public golf course and it happened to be snowing, so it was not only beautiful but we had the tasting room to ourselves.I was particularly struck by two wines made under its Mt. Defiance brand, Hellfire and Brimstone. These white ($15) and red ($16.50) blends, respectively, are "inspired" by baseball player turned prohibitionist preacher, Billy Sunday. Reverend Sunday moved from the Chicago area to Hood River, which coincidentally is a move shared by Phelps Creek owner, Bob Morus.
I find Hellfire and Brimstone compelling for two reasons -- they over deliver on the PPQ, the relationship between packaging, price and quality, and tell a great story. They may not appeal to all audiences (in fact, some of my fellow southern friends and family members might be downright offended), but surely serve as a great example of strong branding!
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