Chateau d'Otima

It was as if the vineyard stretched all the way to the horizon. - Artur Neha, Traveler

Overview

The Chateau d'Otima (Otima Winery) is considered to encompass the largest and oldest collection of vineyards in Quassus. It is know for producing many labels that cover the known spectrum of producible wines. As such, the winery is already a legend within viticulture circles.
The Winery is located in the Rico Valley, which is nestled between the northern slopes of the Silver Mountains and the southern slopes of the Arrow Mountains. The region was found to be surprisingly conducive to the production of wines. However, many say that the conditions of the soil of the region alone are not enough to explain the incredible quality of Temi's Original, the wine the Otima Winery built its reputation upon. No one has yet discovered the secret ingredient of that wine.

History

You will never appreciate another wine again once you've tasted Temi's Original. - Elocea, Merchant

The Best Wine

The Otima Winery was founded by Temi Otima in 847AGC. Temi was renowned for her impeccable palate, which was said to be so discerning that no drink of her time could satisfy her. It is believed that she established the Otima vineyards as a way to finally produce the kind of drink she so desperately wanted to taste, and the wine she created became Temi's Original.
Temi's Original is unusual as it is presented as a clear wine. This appearance was an unusual trait for a wine and something that was unappealing to many oenophiles initially as clearness meant an incomplete process. Temi's Original eventually became highly prized for its taste and uniqueness as its making was perfected. Today, it is extremely difficult to get a hold of a bottle without spending a small fortune at the Otima Winery itself. Over the remaining sixty years of her life, Temi amassed a vast fortune that she used in the expansion and development of her vineyards, particularly as it related to the continuing perfection of her original wine.
Since then, the vineyards have continued to expand and develop under the supervision of Temi's descendants. The vineyards are currently overseen by Ietieck Otima and his sister, Zhulboha Otima. The family business became so profitable at one point that they commissioned the construction of a small castle in 980AGC. The castle, Chateau d'Otima, was completed in 1001AGC and has been the home of the Otima family ever since. The occaison was also marked by a change in brand name from "Otima Winery" to "Chateau d'Otima."

During Avistar's Prime

During the prime days of the Principality of Avistar, the Otima Winery were held in high renown. The labels produced by the Otima's could be found in practically every party. This was possible as the vineyard could produce both high quantities of cheap wines as well as carefully develop a selection of wines unrivaled in their quality.

After Avistar's Fall

The Otima family business has had to fulfill the quotas demanded of Helian Officiers, who wanted plenty of wine to sate their thirst as they continued their conquests in exchange for letting the Otima family to retain ownership over their business. The massive quantities of wine the Helians demand year after year has already begun to take a toll on the vineyard's soil, which was usually rotated to avoid depleting them of nutrients. There is a noticeable drop in quality across all Otima labels with the exception of Temi's Original.

All artwork is by starfarertheta unless otherwise stated.

Founding Date

847AGC

Alternative Names

Land of a Hundred Grapes

Type

Vineyard / Orchard

Parent Location

Continental Island of Lluvia

Vineyard Size

>10,000 acres.

Label Convention

The wines from Otima are labeled after their creator, who often spends a considerable amount of time preparing their own kind of wine much like Temi. The name of the creator is followed by the type of wine.

Otima Original Labels

Always drink in moderation, for excess leads to ruin with naught gained.

• Temi's Original
• Rova & Rava Dulce
• Zhulboha Rosé Style
• Aazwilea Roja
• Mutleen Blanc
• Odnis Dulce
• Imzeg Blanc
• Corxela Roja
• Somioha Rosé Style
• Forycea Roja
• Viamcozea Dulce

Note(s) from the Archivists:

I've had one of their more recent produced labels, a 1263. It really wasn't as good as I remember. - Archivist Taenya Naïlo
Do you still have the 1232? - Arch Archivist Grau Quillblade
I don't think I'll ever open that one. I suspect it will become highly valuable in the near future. - Archivist Taenya Naïlo