Enkidu & The Epic of Gilgamesh
The origin or meaning of our name “Enkidu” comes from the oldest story ever written, the Epic of Gilgamesh. The story originated in Sumeria (Iraq) almost 4,000 years ago, which fittingly was the birthplace of wine. Enkidu, created by the gods, was the lover of land and protector of animals. He embodied strength and passion, with incredible bravery, and yet at times was truly fearful of unknown dangers. Having a keen sense of what is “just”, he still found himself besieged by his overconfidence and arrogance, ultimately leading to his end. Enkidu is a little rustic or raw at times – this can also be said of wine.
Enkidu’s character was not perfect, nor is wine. But as with Enkidu himself, we look inside and adhere to beliefs that will guide our efforts. We strive to make handcrafted wines of unique character that are the result of passion, art and intelligence, mixed with hard work and a degree of luck. Whereas many producers’ names may not hold a large relevance to the wines they produce, the Enkidu mythological figure is the driving force and guide of our wine production.
The sacred slave told Enkidu: "Eat bread, oh, Enkidu! It is the fountain of life; drink the wine, it is the custom of the land."
Then Enkidu ate the bread till he was full, drank the wine, seven goblets... A barber sheared the hair from his body, and Enkidu dabbed himself with oil, as men do, and put on man's clothing, looking like a bridegroom.”ancienttexts.org
For further reading and discovery of this magnificent epic a new translation and depiction is offered in the wonderful book written in 2004 by Stephen Mitchell – Gilgamesh.
sparknotes.com