As the inspiration for what would later become HogWine, Uncle Fig Newton (yes, that really was his name) was a true Southern gentleman who could drink an adult beverage, smoke a cigarette, and play a round of Arkansas golf all with his one arm. You see, Uncle Fig lost his right arm in a farming accident when he was only 30 years old. He was one of the finest chefs I knew growing up in the middle of the Mississippi Delta. He would dominate the kitchen and create sauces and marinades from whatever ingredients were within arms length. Watching Uncle Fig create masterpieces is what inspired me to create HogWine in the comfort of my own kitchen. While everyone has their own gifts or callings, I feel that mine has always come in the alliteration of cooking, counseling, and coaching. I have opened my kitchen and prepared my sauce for thousands for nearly twenty years. I have been asked more times than I care to remember, “When are you going to bottle your sauce?” For years I shrugged off the questions and just enjoyed watching people dig in and eat to their hearts content. Finally, I succumbed to the wishes of friends and family and HogWine was created. So what began as an experiment in 1976, today is known more affectionately as HogWine.