The back story on the winery is most likely a bit unusual. It is the Love Story of two young teens who met, fell in love and moved through life together in spite of the challenges that faced them. Disowned by parents on both sides due to the race issue (Jess/Hispanic-Roni Jo Anglo) they began living together while still in high school. They forged ahead through all of the obstacles that were set in their path due to a strong work ethic that was passed down by parents on both sides. We started our own Construction business in the early 1980’s and bring our work ethic to the wine business as well. We purchased the property on which the Family Home and Winery sits in 1997 and began to make improvements while waiting for building permits that would allow us to build our home. We planted some vines to decorate the very steep sloping hillside and moved forward with the landscaping. The land itself is a treasure, a natural habitat for wildlife with soil that nurtures the plant life. The project was a family affair and we all worked hard to create an inviting atmosphere for our friends and family to enjoy. We built the garages that now serve as the production area. (Everything is done here on site, from crush to bottle.) We then built the English Cottage (which is now the tasting room) to live in while the Family home was under construction and to later on be used as an art studio. Finally in 2004 we got the building permit with the condition that we would grow agriculture and make an income from it. Since we had vines, the County insisted that we plant more. We have come a long way since we were first introduced to the art of winemaking and it has been quite a journey. We cannot begin to express our appreciation for what this business with all of the challenges that come with it, has brought forth to each one of us personally. Life sometimes has a way of leading us in the least likely direction only to find the brilliant light at the end of the seemingly endless tunnel. Our son Nate planted many of those lovely vines that now produce the luscious fruit that goes into our Award winning wines. Jess was the original Winemaker here at the Shire and the family served as production staff. The demands of the Construction Business are great and so the Winemaking torch was passed from Jess to Nate who is also a Certified Level 2 Sommelier with his sights set on a goal of becoming a Master Sommelier. Our daughter Vivienne, is the creator of our unique eye catching labels that are quite popular with wine and bottle collectors alike. Both Nate and Vivienne are talented singer/songwriting musicians, who will entertain when you visit. Don’t be afraid to ask them to sing for you.