This curious and creepy portrait mysteriously appeared on our doorstep several years ago. Knowing nothing about the man depicted, we set our research department to task. We soon discovered that the portrait subject was none other than Lord Vigo Bloodmore, a shadowy 18th century personality from a region in the extreme east of Europe; just on the borders of Muldavia, Transylvania and Buxovina, in the midst of the Carpathian Mountains.
Legends hold that during his lifetime, Lord Bloodmore brutally killed thousands of his fellow countrymen in an effort to gain wealth and power. His ruthlessness is legendary with some ancient manuscripts claiming he was a vampire who bathed in the blood of those he had slain in the belief it would preserve his youth and thus, his personal legacy. The stories go on to explain that once finished, the “bath water” was reportedly drained into the vineyards in hope that Bloodmore’s personal wine crops would reap secondary benefits.
Are these ancient writings a historical account or simply folklore? We may never know but ironical, even today this area of Europe is prized for its rich red soil full of iron and other nutrients, for it produces a grape with a deliciously sweet flesh unlike any other. Ironically, this area of the world is also the birthplace of vampire legends.

Ghoulish Factoid: Lord Bloodmore’s after image is largely based on Christopher Lee’s appearance in his portrayal of Dracula.