Clink Clank The Glasses Go As We Say Cheers To The Winemaking Pro

          From the age of 23, Howie knew what he wanted to become. What made him happy and also financially supported himself and his family. Winemaking was his career choice, which he is still pursuing today in Northeast Connecticut at Sharpe Hill Vineyards. Within the 31 years of winemaking Howie has pursued, he has worked in about 10 wineries and has made 25 different kinds of wine. My dad’s most successful wine is called the Ballet of Angels. It is sold in 20 states, and the wine itself has “received 79 medals in International wine competitions since its commercial release in 1997” (SharpeHill). Not only does he make wine, but Howie also has expanded his horizons to design wineries around the world.

          There are three so-called “seasons” in wine making. Spring is when the vines grow. At Sharpe Hill a few varieties of grapes that are grown are Chardonnay, Vignoles, Cabernet Franc, and St. Croix. (SharpeHill). Fall is harvest time when the grapes are ripe and ready to pick. The last big step in the making of wine is bottling, which is performed throughout the summer. My dad said, “I’m lucky to make a living doing something I love”. This is why I admire my father. He has managed to create a living doing what he loves. That’s all I ever want in life. He made decisions in his life that led him to where he is now, working at Sharpe Hill Vineyards, designing wineries, and to top it off, he is looking after grape vines in another town.

          My father not only makes wine, but he also is one of the best banjo players in the country. He supports his family by winemaking/designing, but also plays the banjo at contra dances, and has recorded multiple CDs of his work. Howie makes time for everything he loves, because he is so passionate about what he does in his life. It is so great to watch my father as his life progresses, to see what he believes to be his top priorities, to see his face light up at the end of the day.

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