Chapter 2) The Apprentice Years, Oberrotweil, Germany 1982 – 1986

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The decision was made- I would become a winemaker! I traveled to a great winemaking region in the southwest of Germany, well known for rich and concentrated wines. These were tough but rewarding years, providing great all round training in all aspects of winemaking, with an emphasis on paying attention to detail in every area. One had to learn to perform under high pressure, especially at harvest, with long hours and minimal sleep. The call to wake at 3AM in the dead of winter to harvest the frozen grapes for ice wine is something that I recall to this day. I realized the value of a great wine, and the need to tend to and protect it to the last drop.