New to everything....

[hotwine]

Have been swilling the sauce since '62-'63, mostly Burgs & Rhones initially, then Bords by '67. Took an assignment to Germany in '73 and enjoyed Rieslings for three years, esp. Mosels. Wines were weekend luxuries for too many years; only acquired a small storage unit in '01?, then a EuroCave, then a cellar as the obsession became more intense. Volunteered as a kit-wine mixer (can't call me a winemaker) for one summer '04 or '05, bought property in '08 intending to grow grapes, took short courses.... then the economy tanked. No further investment in the business for now. Have enjoyed wines with dinner each evening since early '90s: she sets the menu, I find something to match. We share wines with good friends frequently - very frequently.

She wants me to try making wine from purchased grapes, in lieu of growing our own, to avoid the $10K/ac planting cost; might yet do that.