John 3:16 – Be thankful, grateful, patient, charitable, kind, and smile, as it is infectious. God Bless America; protect our president and the military!
The most recent thing is probably writing this daily blog. Over the years I tried my hand at many things from carpentry, finishing, building, publishing a poem, three books and playing guitar for many years …but you all knew that!
However, I will share something different: a hobby I took up more recently (17 years ago). Our oldest son bought me the wine-making starter kit and a book on wine varieties, processes, and the like as a Christmas gift. So, after much research, I purchased my first wine kit from a supplier out in Glen Mills: An Italian Sangiovese. It turned out really well, especially for this amateur vintner making it in his basement.
Since then, I have made wines some with skins, some oaked, some without- and although mostly red dry varieties or blends e.g. – Cabernet Sauvignon, Montepulciano, Tuscan Blends, Pinot Noir, Shiraz a.k.a Syrah in the USA, Red Zinfandels, Super Tuscan and the like.
Also, from the regions you would purchase them from in a wine store – Italy, France, California, South Africa, Spain, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Australia.
As far as white wine goes, I mostly have made to date Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling, and, currently, Sauvignon Blanc. I even made my first Blood Orange Sangria this year, which went over pretty well at a recent party. Most wine takes at least a year to age for the reds, and almost that long to age the whites too.
The best compliment I have gotten from non-gift receivers or folks who share some over dinner over the years was from a friend of my son, Dan. His friend is a sommelier who works with some of the restaurants in Manhattan, NYC offering wine selections and parings to patron’s. I give my son several bottles to take back when he’s down for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and the like. It was around New Year’s Eve; his friend was over and asked if he had any wine.
Dan said, “Yeah, sure, but it’s wine my dad makes in his basement,” and added that it’s pretty good. My son called me the next day, saying his friend was blown away that his dad makes wine this good in his basement from wine kits! Needless to say, it made this amateur vintner feel very good about my product.
Shout-out to Eric, who owns and operates Havertown’s Brew Your Own, where I buy my kits! If you go, tell him Dan sent you!
What’s your hobbie(s)?
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