The Quiet One
Donation protected
In 2009, my career path took an unexpected turn and I found myself in the burgeoning world of Vermont wine and cold climate viticulture. What was supposed to be a brief detour quickly became not only an immersive passion, but a clear understanding of where I belong and what I feel most connected to: Vermont's agricultural history and working landscape.
After managing two established VT wineries, working in VT vineyards, mentoring under well known VT winemakers and making wine, I've had the opportunity to understand different approaches to processes and principles behind Vermont's emerging wine culture. My philosophy has been formed by my connection to the land, which informs my style as a winemaker. I am looking to traditional techniques, with the intention of creating small batch wines from locally grown grapes. Grapes that thrive in Vermont's climate without synthetic pesticides, and create beautiful wines through minimal intervention. I believe that this approach most closely embodies the spirit of Vermont and its people.
Here is my plan: My label, "the quiet one", is launching this year with the introduction of my first wine, which was recently among those featured at a winemaker's dinner at the Farmhouse Tap and Grill, a restaurant focused on highlighting the best that VT has to offer. This summer, I will be preparing a small plot, on generous friends' land, for a (micro) vineyard. The grapes planted on this site next year, will be farmed organically among young fruit trees and within the next two years, a small flock of sheep. While waiting for my grapevines to mature, I'll be purchasing grapes from an established, local, winegrower so that I can continue to make wine, establish my label and grow my business.
The following is a list of start up costs that your donation will contribute to:
*soil testing
*site prep work
*licensing fees
*2019 grape purchase
*winery lease and equipment fees
*website and marketing materials
*wine bottles, corks and labels
*new grapevines
As you consider making your donation, please know that I am not embarking on this endeavor to make a profit by stimulating our tourist economy. I'm not interested in appealing to the masses. I'm not doing this simply because I like wine or because I think it will be easy. I've been doing this work for years and I know the risks involved. I'm doing this because I love it and because the foundation of my being is rooted in this work. I'm doing this because I want to create something beautiful and I want to share it with you.
Know that your gift is not an investment in a business. It is an investment in me. I take your gift very seriously, I understand the faith you're putting in me, and I understand this contribution to be your way of saying that you believe in me and support me. For now, all you will be getting out of this is my deepest gratitude. And wine.
After managing two established VT wineries, working in VT vineyards, mentoring under well known VT winemakers and making wine, I've had the opportunity to understand different approaches to processes and principles behind Vermont's emerging wine culture. My philosophy has been formed by my connection to the land, which informs my style as a winemaker. I am looking to traditional techniques, with the intention of creating small batch wines from locally grown grapes. Grapes that thrive in Vermont's climate without synthetic pesticides, and create beautiful wines through minimal intervention. I believe that this approach most closely embodies the spirit of Vermont and its people.
Here is my plan: My label, "the quiet one", is launching this year with the introduction of my first wine, which was recently among those featured at a winemaker's dinner at the Farmhouse Tap and Grill, a restaurant focused on highlighting the best that VT has to offer. This summer, I will be preparing a small plot, on generous friends' land, for a (micro) vineyard. The grapes planted on this site next year, will be farmed organically among young fruit trees and within the next two years, a small flock of sheep. While waiting for my grapevines to mature, I'll be purchasing grapes from an established, local, winegrower so that I can continue to make wine, establish my label and grow my business.
The following is a list of start up costs that your donation will contribute to:
*soil testing
*site prep work
*licensing fees
*2019 grape purchase
*winery lease and equipment fees
*website and marketing materials
*wine bottles, corks and labels
*new grapevines
As you consider making your donation, please know that I am not embarking on this endeavor to make a profit by stimulating our tourist economy. I'm not interested in appealing to the masses. I'm not doing this simply because I like wine or because I think it will be easy. I've been doing this work for years and I know the risks involved. I'm doing this because I love it and because the foundation of my being is rooted in this work. I'm doing this because I want to create something beautiful and I want to share it with you.
Know that your gift is not an investment in a business. It is an investment in me. I take your gift very seriously, I understand the faith you're putting in me, and I understand this contribution to be your way of saying that you believe in me and support me. For now, all you will be getting out of this is my deepest gratitude. And wine.
Organizer
Rhiannon Bigelow Johnson
Organizer
New Haven, VT