Wine Making

There’s something poetic about starting a batch of homemade wine before the New Year. It feels like setting a quiet intention — a project that unfolds slowly, teaching patience, stillness, and a little bit of magic along the way. Small-batch winemaking is approachable, beginner-friendly, and far less complicated than you might imagine. You’re not trying to fill a cellar or run a winery. You’re simply creating something with your hands, one gallon at a time. This guide is your

Thanksgiving dinner has plenty of stars—the turkey, the sides, the pies—but when it comes to marking the moment, nothing matters more than the toast. It’s the pause before the meal, the clinking of glasses, the moment when you stop and recognize the meaning of the day: gratitude, family, connection. And while the words of the toast carry the weight, the wine in your glass helps set the tone. So how do you choose the right wine for a Thanksgiving toast? The good news is you do

There’s something special about handing someone a bottle of wine you made yourself. It’s not just a drink—it’s time, effort, patience, and care bottled up with meaning. Sharing homemade wine feels like sharing a story. But if you’re new to winemaking, you might wonder: How do I bottle it properly? How do I make it gift-worthy? And how do I share it responsibly? The good news: bottling and gifting your homemade wine doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, you

Wine has always been more than just something to drink. It’s been part of rituals, celebrations, and family gatherings for thousands of years. And nowhere is that truer than during the holiday season. Across the globe, wine takes center stage in different ways: mulled and spiced, poured to toast, shared in community, or served as part of symbolic traditions. Each culture brings its own flavor, reminding us that wine isn’t just about taste—it’s about meaning. Here’s a tour of

Thanksgiving is a meal built on variety. You’ve got turkey, rich sides, roasted vegetables, savory casseroles, sweet potatoes, and cranberry sauce all sharing the same plate. That mix of flavors can make wine pairing feel intimidating—but it doesn’t have to be. The truth? Thanksgiving is one of the most wine-friendly meals of the year. With a few smart picks, you can find wines that balance richness, highlight the star flavors, and bring the whole table together. Here’s a gui

If there’s one lesson that keeps showing up in every corner of my workshop, kitchen, and backyard, it’s this: patience matters. Whether I’m sanding a stubborn board, waiting for coals to hit the right temperature, or watching bubbles rise in a fermenter, I’m reminded again and again that good things take time. And maybe more importantly—they’re worth the wait. Winemaking in particular has taught me patience in a way that nothing else has. And the longer I’ve crafted, the more

There’s something about a bonfire that makes everything slow down. The crackle of wood, the glow of embers, the way conversations seem easier in the firelight—it’s one of those timeless fall rituals. And while beer and cider usually get the spotlight at backyard fires, I’ve learned that wine belongs there too. In fact, the right glass can make a chilly night feel warmer, a plate of comfort food taste richer, and the whole experience just a little more memorable. So let’s talk

There’s something about fall that feels like a deep breath. The air cools, the leaves change, and weekends start to carry a slower rhythm. For me, fall is the season that practically begs you to make something with your hands—to build, to cook, to create. And it’s also the perfect time to start a batch of wine. If you’ve ever been curious about home winemaking, autumn offers the ideal backdrop. The pace slows, the kitchen feels cozier, and the timing works out so that by the

Weekends have their own rhythm. For me, they usually start with a project in the shop—wood shavings curling at my feet, the steady hum of a sander, the satisfaction of seeing something take shape. By the afternoon, the grill is hot, dinner’s in the works, and the smell of smoke and seasoning drifts through the backyard. And somewhere in that rhythm, there’s wine. Not fancy, not fussy—just the right glass to make the moment feel complete. Because wine isn’t just for dinner par

I still remember the first time I poured a glass of wine I made myself. It wasn’t fancy. The label was printed on regular paper, the cork was slightly crooked, and the flavor wasn’t anything you’d find in Napa. But to me, it was magic. Because it wasn’t just wine—it was proof that I could take something as simple as fruit and transform it into something I could share, savor, and celebrate. For anyone who’s ever thought about trying home winemaking but felt intimidated, I want

When most people think of winemaking, they imagine rows of vineyards, giant barrels, and complicated equipment. The truth? You don’t need...