Aging can be fun – for wine and for people. A group of more than 30 Harrogate independent living residents reminds us of this each year when they create their own special wines, from grape to glass.
Each year since 2007, the group heads from Lakewood to The Wine Room in Manalapan, New Jersey, to perfect their art. They craft one barrel each of red and white wine, making a total of nearly 500 bottles.
In September, they crush and press grapes to age in barrels, and in June they bottle, cork and label their custom creations. They’ve made everything from cabernet and syrah to pinot grigio, sauvignon blanc and more.
“The wine they create is actually quite delicious,” Chef Joe Alonzo says. “Many of us enjoy a good glass of wine, but it’s so much more rewarding to create food pairings for wine that was produced with hard work from a wonderful group of people.”
The finished product isn’t the only thing residents enjoy about the winemaking group. The time spent socializing together has formed new friendships, and even includes some exercise with the work required throughout the process.
The winemaking group does get to enjoy the fruits of their labor. They often share their wine with friends, family and fellow residents at dinner parties and wine pairings held at Harrogate.
See more about Harrogate’s winemaking group in this story from MyFoxNY.com.