Winery wisdom

Growing grapes and making wine takes a lot of hard work and understanding. For Terrence Atkins, whose first career was farming, the art of wine making was a business venture he had little knowledge of.

But he says his farming background gave him the accounting, patience and work ethic needed to start a successful winery. It also gave him confidence when planting the vineyard and an understanding of soils and climate necessary to pick grape varieties suited to their site.

"When I first considered getting into the wine business, my only thought was amazement. But at age 55, I made the switch from raising wheat, alfalfa and cattle to making wine," Terrence says.