I tell people all the time, go meet your winemaker.

But that’s useless advice if you don’t know what questions to ask.

Here’s where I would start.

Your goal is to get them talking. To do that, you need to come off curious and compassionate, not accusatory. You’re not trying to catch them in a lie. You’re trying to learn how they think.

Start with sulfites.
You could say something like,
“I know all wine has sulfites, but I keep hearing they’re overused in a lot of wines out there.”

That’ll open the door. If they immediately agree, you’re probably talking to someone who’s thinking carefully about what goes in their wine. If they bristle or start defending heavy use, there’s a good chance it’s a more conventional approach. And if they’re using a lot of sulfites, they’re probably using a lot of other stuff too.

Then ask about the vineyard.
Not, “Do you spray?” That comes off combative. Instead, ask,
“What’s the biggest weed, pest, or fungus issue you deal with?”
Then follow with,
“That sounds like a nightmare. What can be done to stop it?”

Their answer is going to tell you everything. You may need to look up a spray name later, but the tone of the conversation will already have given you what you need. Listen for whether they talk about the land like it’s something they’re connected to, or something they’re trying to control.

Personally, I’m a big vibes guy.
If it feels off, if they’re defensive, cagey, or dodging the question, that’s your answer.

Trust your gut. It’s good at tasting wine too.

If Bitcoiners are Cyber Hornets, what should I call this wine?

EAT MEAT DRINK WINE🇺🇸🍷

In business today, you are either growing or you are dying.
Bitcoin gave me a third option.

Bitcoin is my growth division.

When I started Peony Lane, all I knew was that I wanted to build a business I enjoyed. My logic was simple. If I enjoyed doing it, I would find a way to make enough money, and since the work is tied to my family, I wanted something I could see myself doing forever.

Turns out running a big winery and dealing with distributors does not sound fun at all.
I like making wine for Bitcoiners and shitpoasting on the internet.

No, it doesn't make a ton of money, but I figured out this Bitcoin thing. If I'm right, my retirement is already covered and if I'm wrong, I'll get to enjoy debt slavery anyway.

So my goals are simple.
Stay cashflow positive and keep making great wine.

I have no plans to scale production and I don't think I need them.

Bitcoin IS my growth plan.

A winemaker in the USA can add any of these sweeteners to their wine without disclosing the info to the consumer.

Maltodextrin
Sucrose
Glycerol
Sorbitol
Dextrose
Fructose
Glucose
Invert sugar
Artificial sweeteners

The only way to know what is in your wine is to ask the winemaker directly.
Shake your Winemaker's Hand

I do not foot stomp my grapes

I don't make Merlot anymore because of the movie Sideways.

Hollywood ruins everything.

You can just grow grapes here 🍇