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One Christmas, in the middle of the home brewing craze, Santa brought Ron a
Liberty Malt home brewing starter kit. Ron was thrilled with the kit,
studying the directions and researching home brewing on-line for weeks before
trying his hand. Finally, he made his first beer, an English Bitter fondly
named "First Draft". The beer tasted great and Ron was hooked. He brewed
many more beers, moving quickly from extracts to all-grain. To get
objective feedback, he entered the beers into local competitions. He
got feedback alright, and a few first place ribbons!
At a party hosted by a home winemaker friend, Ron tasted a 1992 Leonetti
Cabernet. Up until then Ron wasn't much interested in wines. But this
Cabernet knocked Ron's socks off. Not only was he interested in wine, but
because he had heard that good beer makers make good wine makers, he was
interested in giving wine making a try.
It was back to the books and the web, reading, studying, talking to
both amateur and commercial winemakers, and tasting wines, lots of
wines. Ron credits his friend Dave Larsen, winemaker of Soos Creek
cellars, who advised, "In order to make world class wines, you have to
know what world class wines taste like." Ron took this advice to heart
and on his way home from work as an electrical engineer, he stopped by
grocery stores and wine shops, buying a bottle here or two bottles
there. In the evenings, he tasted them, studied them, analyzed them...
and learned. Joining a wine club allowed him to purchase grapes from
top vineyards in Eastern Washington, and thus began Ron's winemaking
adventures.
Ron jumped feet first into winemaking. In his first year he bought
nearly one ton of grapes. Chardonnay, cabernet, merlot, syrah, and even
300 pounds of pinot noir that he picked himself. Again, to get
objective feedback, he entered the wines into local competitions. To
his amazement and joy, the wines also won first place ribbons.
Home winemaking was no longer enough to contain Ron's enthusiasm and
passion. He entertained thoughts of opening a commercial boutique
winery. And so began Austin Robaire Vintners.
The name Austin Robaire comes from the first names of two of Santa's, er,
Lorraine's nephews - Austin and Robaire.
Thanks
Ron credits his winemaking inspiration to Gary Figgins (Leonetti Cellars),
Alex Golitzen (Quilceda Creek), Robery Foley (Pride Mountain), and Gary Galleron
(Galleron Signature Wines). Their distinct wines reflect their individual
passion and unique artistry.
Many thanks go to Ron's winemaker friends who helped and encouraged him to
pursue his dream. Dave Larsen (Soos Creek Cellars), Max Jensen
(DiStefano), Ben Smith (Cadence), Robert Goodfriend (Harlequin Cellars),
and the beer guys at Mac & Jack's Brewery and Diamond Knot Brewery.
Ron also thanks his friends from the amateur wine club, where he learned many winemaking techniques.
A special thanks to Dave Yingling, Ron's partner in crime. Ron
values Dave's thoughtful advice and brutally honest opinions.
Thanks to Austin's and Robaire's parents for giving their sons such great names.
Thanks to our Moms and Dads for raising us well.
Finally, Ron thanks Lorraine. After all, it is her fault.
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