For The Love Of Port

The Don - The Sandeman Logo


Pictured here on this thread, the Sandeman Logo is considered the very first wine logo in the world !! - True ??

From the Sandeman website - http://www.sandeman.com:
The Sandeman Don, drawn in 1928 by George Massiot Brown, is one of the first trademark images ever created. The Don in a Portuguese student's black cape and bearing a wide-brimmed Spanish caballero's hat is recognised world-wide as the symbol of prestige.

No doubt it's a real cool logo 8)

While traveling in the USA I've seen it being used for decoration in the most unexpected places !!
I've seen it:...
» in New York City in small painted tiles (to be used as glass coasters) for sale in the streets.
» in New York City decorating a portuguese restaurant.
» in Connecticut in a giant poster decorating the hall of a private home.
» in Chicago in a private home cellar of a port wine aficionado.
» in Michigan State also in a giant poster decorating one particular supermarket.
» in San Diego in a framed poster decorating a french restaurant's inside wall.
» and ....
... well, that's it for now.
I'm sure I've seen it in the USA in some other places too but for now this is what I recall :)

I do also have my The Don posters to be framed.
It's my goal to have it signed by George Sandeman himself, thus making my decorating poster even more cool 8)

QUESTION - for the FTLOP members:
- besides in Oporto, in Vila Nova de Gaia and in the Douro Valley, have you seen The Sandeman Don posing or decorating any particular place ??

/Mario/

Yes, I have two of them in my Port museum that you "forgot" to mention. One is the larger framed poster which sits next to the smaller framed post-card. I would never have something so pretentious as a signed copy adorning my walls though!

It's a design classic of it's age, instantly recognisable three generations later.

Another design classic of the same era is the London Underground map.

However, whilst it is very recognisable, I think that in the UK at least, Sandeman have failed to make best use of one of their greatest assets.

I'm told that in the USA, Sandeman are the market leaders in the reserve ruby class, yet in the UK they barely register - while Cockburn cleans up.

On the VP front Sandeman caught a cold a generation ago, as did many others, but unlike the other giants of the mid 20th century - Cockburn and Croft - we are still waiting for a full return to form..

Reminds me of my old school reports:

'Must try harder!'

Tom

I got a post card floating around my house somewhere.

I have seen the "Don" at art stores in local shopping malls (always brings a smile to my face when I see it in a mall) and at wine stores in the area.

I would never have something so pretentious as a signed copy adorning my walls though!

SUUURE

Never been there but I was told that in the days, Paris got many Sandeman and Ramos Pinto adds spread acros the city walls, I don't know if they remains though.

In some of the older "friends"-episodes, you can see the Ramos-Pinto logo of the two lovers or whatever toasting in two glasses of port. (the woman has really short hair. That points to a 1920's-style, thus the logo would be quite old). I think it in the character "Monica"'s bedroom that particular poster is hanging.

I find the Don logo kind of creepy

Mario,

I haven't seen the 'Don' logo around for a while in the UK but I can now reveal the identity of the man beneath the hat. It is of course none other than Don Alejandro de la Vega himself, the scourge of Count Armand and scores of witless Mexican soldiers and swordsmen, otherwise known to us as Zorro.

Although he may have hung up his sword and spurs, I am glad to see that the old campaigner for truth and justice is continuing with his other calling in life, promoting the joys of fine port.

I can't remember if it is inside or outside but at The Don restaurant in London ....

QUOTES
“George Sandeman is so chuffed with The Don he has returned the original signage from Sandeman’s Oporto business to its former home.”
Daily Telegraph"

http://www.thedonrestaurant.com/index.htm

randomguy wrote:I find the Don logo kind of creepy

I tell you I do understand that. I've also got that kind of feeling in the past.
It's a one man you do not get to see his face. Right ? :)
Well, for me The Don is also mysterious & charming.
At least this is the message I used to get while seeing the The Don being featured on TV ads during the 1970s in Portugal.
/MF/

randomguy wrote:I find the Don logo kind of creepy

Hey! Now I know what costume I'm wearing for Halloween this year!

:)

admin wrote:

randomguy wrote:I find the Don logo kind of creepy

Hey! Now I know what costume I'm wearing for Halloween this year! :)

besides creepy, you will also be mysterious & charming . - That's a plus
/MF/

I thought I was ALREADY mysterious and charming!

Funny that no one seems to mention that this logo can be found on SHERRY bottles--such as old bottles of Imperial Corregidor Oloroso Sherry.

sweetstuff wrote:[...] this logo can be found on SHERRY bottles [...].

YES. That's correct :). Unfortunately I should confess that I've been paying little attention to Sherry wines.

BTW, besides PORT & SHERRY, the Sandeman Don is also on the Sandeman MADEIRA bottles.

Oddly enough I didn't realize it until several months ago, but that exact poster is in our office cafeteria.

Mike.

Hello all,

We all know that Sandeman has been making great wines since 1790 and it has been from travelling the world that I’ve discovered, with great pleasure, that you’ve all seen me somewhere in your lives.

If you’re still not aware of my re-styling, visit http://www.sandeman.com and find out why Sandeman is «famous for pleasure». Man or a woman? The mystery of my identity lingers on!

While you’re thinking about it, have a look at Sandeman’s newest advertising campaign in http://www.sogrape.pt

I will most certainly see you again…

Very stylish - but the bit that asks for your birthdate and then tells you off if you're too young to drink is a bit silly..

..of course, kids never lie about their age.. :twisted:

Tom

Dear Mr Don,

Are you THE Don or just another port freak like us who happens to have a soft spot for Sandeman's?

If you are THE Don, would you be prepared to help me research a very old bottle of Sandeman's ruby that I have in my cellar?

Derek

That was quite the shameless plug Mr. Don

I look forward to seeing you next month my friend.