Top excuses... (Ahem) justifications to my spouse that wine making is a good ...
I'll be honest, my wife hates most of my hobbies. I enjoys shooting sports... Riding motorcycles... Golf.... She's just not a fan of anything I do in my down time.
Last fall, though, I made up my mind that I was going to start making wine and that this was something we might do together. Interesting - she didn't hate the idea. So, at the beginning of the year, I bought an equipment kit and a Cabernet that sounded like something I'd enjoy.
Once the cab was moved over for clearing, I started a Chardonnay (just into day 2 of primary ferm). The more I think about it, the more of a genius idea this is. No, seriously.
I live in the People's Republic of Pennsylvania. When it comes to wine and spirits, The State tells us what we can buy, when and for how much. For a place where America started, it is probably the least "American" place on earth when it comes to booze. So, for me, the allure of telling "the man" I wouldn't march to his drum anymore is obvious.
But, there are some objective reasons that I can point to (and you can use) to convince your spouse this is an awesome hobby:
1. Of all your hobbies, this one is least likely to kill you.
If the wine turns out the way i hope it does:
2. It works out to about $4.50 per bottle (I'm buying fairly high end kits). That's just hysterically low.
3. Fewer sulphites than commercial wines... A lot fewer. Sulphites in these kits are 1/5 to 1/3 the amount comparatively. If your spouse gets migraines that's really important.
4. No more running off to the store when you want wine with dinner (or breakfast, I won't judge).
5. This is actually an inexpensive hobby comparatively. New gun = $600. New clubs = $400 (plus green fees every time you want to play). Motorcycle = $$$$$ (plus the cost of gear, regular maintenance and gasoline). I'm already on my second kit and haven't spent nearly the dollars I have on the other hobbies.
6. There's an art to riding motorcycles and even shooting. But no other hobby will make my friends go "wow, really? You made this." Wine making is art.
These are just the "off the top of my head" reasons. Feel free to add your own.
Enjoy!
Jim
I'll be honest, my wife hates most of my hobbies. I enjoys shooting sports... Riding motorcycles... Golf.... She's just not a fan of anything I do in my down time.
Last fall, though, I made up my mind that I was going to start making wine and that this was something we might do together. Interesting - she didn't hate the idea. So, at the beginning of the year, I bought an equipment kit and a Cabernet that sounded like something I'd enjoy.
Once the cab was moved over for clearing, I started a Chardonnay (just into day 2 of primary ferm). The more I think about it, the more of a genius idea this is. No, seriously.
I live in the People's Republic of Pennsylvania. When it comes to wine and spirits, The State tells us what we can buy, when and for how much. For a place where America started, it is probably the least "American" place on earth when it comes to booze. So, for me, the allure of telling "the man" I wouldn't march to his drum anymore is obvious.
But, there are some objective reasons that I can point to (and you can use) to convince your spouse this is an awesome hobby:
1. Of all your hobbies, this one is least likely to kill you.
If the wine turns out the way i hope it does:
2. It works out to about $4.50 per bottle (I'm buying fairly high end kits). That's just hysterically low.
3. Fewer sulphites than commercial wines... A lot fewer. Sulphites in these kits are 1/5 to 1/3 the amount comparatively. If your spouse gets migraines that's really important.
4. No more running off to the store when you want wine with dinner (or breakfast, I won't judge).
5. This is actually an inexpensive hobby comparatively. New gun = $600. New clubs = $400 (plus green fees every time you want to play). Motorcycle = $$$$$ (plus the cost of gear, regular maintenance and gasoline). I'm already on my second kit and haven't spent nearly the dollars I have on the other hobbies.
6. There's an art to riding motorcycles and even shooting. But no other hobby will make my friends go "wow, really? You made this." Wine making is art.
These are just the "off the top of my head" reasons. Feel free to add your own.
Enjoy!
Jim
Last edited:
Where the common man pays for the wealth of the politicians!
. It is the one hobby I've had that my wife wants to be a part of and I appreciate that. It is a hobby that attracts others as well. Like my old saying in college "the party will expand to the size of the keg". Kits are just the gateway drug. You will be looking for a destemmer in no time.
