After 20 years of vacation (professional travel), Jim made a decision to uproot the family from their comfort in suburbia to a Western Reserve hayfield where the homestead, truck garden, orchard, vineyard, livestock barns, and paddocks were established. Patti was amazed that Jim would do this while she was 8.9 months pregnant. (Surprise!)
In order to make wine styles that jim enjoyed from his vacations (he calls it European travels), Jim contacted the viticulture consultant to Cornell University (Mr. Amberg), who willingly selected vine clones and rootstocks. After some research and trial and error, Patti and Jim settled on Allier Oak Barrels from Bourgogne Fance in which to make their finest wines.
Jim, Patti and Gerome made the first wines (beginning in 1997). In 2001, when the tasting room doors opened, Patti assumed all of the wine-maker responsibilities. Jim takes care of obtaining imported French Oak barrels from Bourgone.
Gerome Smith
In Memory Of Renaissance Man
Jan 1951 - Nov 2005
Woodworker Extraordinaire
Chef Extraordinaire
Country Gentleman
