Name and Logo

The name Charnu (pronounced "shar-new") is intended to bring to mind a wine that is elegant and, perhaps, a bit mysterious. The word has its origins in French wine terminlogy, where "charnu" refers to wines that are full-bodied. In this sense, it echos our desired wine style: rich and full-bodied, yet still elegant.

The Charnu logo figure is an image of a 6000-year-old statue of the Egyptian goddess Nathor. We think that this is appropriate for a number of reasons:

• We like the play on words. We think that the Nathor goddess statue does an excellent job of symbolizing the meaning of the term "charnu" (full-bodied).

• In Egyptian mythology, Nathor was the goddess of the cosmos. She created night by swallowing the sun, and created day by giving birth to the sun in the morning. Thus Nathor is responsible for the diurnal (day/night) cycle that is so important to fine grape growing, and one of the advantages of the St. Helena Appellation climate.

• The Egyptians have been growing grapevines and making wine for at least 5,000 years. Some experts believe that the "vitis vinifera" species used for fine wine originated in Egypt. According to ancient Egyptians, Osiris, son of Nathor, was the first to drink wine and to teach men how to plant the vine.