We're like Crack Dealers...

The first taste is free, the second is going to cost you...

Every year a local town has a huge bash to celebrate a relatively obscure religious holiday from Italy. Given the large population of folks from Italian descent, it's not surprising that the homemade wine (or Dago Red as it's known around here) flows freely.

Two years ago I brought a bottle to a party, and the host said 'I want to do this! What do I need?" This year he greeted us with 4 gallons of his own wine.

As we sat around the yard talking, another party-goer began asking what went into making wine, how hard it is, how expensive, time consuming, etc. Tony, the guy who hooked me on winemaking, and I worked our magic on this unsuspecting individual. I'm of the belief that you start with something simple, and a small investment; no more than $100 to $150, starting with one of my sponsors' starter kits. Tony goes big "You need a few demi-johns, we'll call you when the grapes come in and we'll get you 5-6 cases of grapes. Then you'll need..."

By that time our wives and daughters were ready to leave and pried us away from the oenological seduction of poor Patrick. I promised him I'd send him some information, links to kits and supplies.

This is how it starts, you spend the money, have all the equipment for 6 gallons and make 30 bottles of perfectly tasty, enjoyable wine. You think you're done, but those bottles go quickly, and the equipment calls you. Only now, it appears cheaper to make the wine; 50 bucks for a wine kit, who can't manage that? (Especially since the equipment is sitting there.) So you go shopping for another kit...and there's 2 you want. You buy equipment for that second kit. Then the wheels start turning, and the lure of making your next batch from grapes becomes stronger.

We've all be through it.

Have a great Memorial Day!