Born and raised in Ohio wine country along the shores of Lake Erie, it was not uncommon to find carboys of grape juice fermenting in the basement. All very novice. A lot of ruined batches and a few mediocre bottles at a time. Wine was never intended to pay the bills – I was a bi-vocational firefighter and pastor – it was a hobby.

I retired in 2011 when my wife and I moved to Springfield, MO. We discovered a cliff-side winery in Branson, MO that instantly became our happy place. I spent so much time at the winery that they figured they might as well pay me to be there. So, I started working in the tasting room. Eventually, after starting my formal education in Enology, I began to intern in the wine cellar with the winemaker, Adam.

Then in 2022, the dream went to the next level. I built my very own 500 square foot winery in the backyard (Sorry, no public access). While many wineries can boast of luxurious venues full of top notch equipment overlooking grand scenery, I couldn’t be happier than when I walk out of my winery and sample a fresh batch sitting on the deck with a view of my wife’s flowers and my grandkids’ swing swaying in the shadow of our giant oak tree.

Wine is an invitation. Wine invites us to slow down and breathe, like a fine vintage will mellow in a decanter. Wine is an invitation to gather and mingle, like a joyful blended red. From barbecues to bocce, our backyards have always been gathering places. The things that make backyards better – family, friends, neighbors, and now the winery! Wineries and backyards have always been my favorite gathering places. Now, I have the best of both worlds.

Whoever said, “Love thy neighbor as yourself,” surely must have been drinking wine when they said it.

Greg – Owner, VESTA Certified