Love of wine ferments tasty business

WASILLA — Some may have said she was sampling too much of her beloved wine for Lori Stewart to believe she could turn her passion into a business in the Mat-Su Valley.

Stewart took a large risk opening a one-of-a-kind business in the Mat-Su Valley, but her love for wine and friendly attitude has made Valley Winery a hot spot for wine connoisseurs and those wanting a new experience.

Stewart started Valley Winery four years with no more than $50,000 and a desire to create a business that would complement the Valley, she said. With a room full of customer wine creations, not only is her business a success, it’s a favorite gathering place for her customers and friends.

“It’s a comfortable environment,” said Ann Desalvo, a Valley Winery customer. “And Lori is fun.”

At Valley Winery, customers make their own wine from beginning to end, Stewart said. In a partnership with Non Essentials and Lazy Mountain Brewing Supply, Valley Winery also supplies customers with gourmet snacks and home brewing equipment.

Although the process of making wine may seem like a lot of work, Stewart is there to lend a helping hand.

“We try to pair our customers with a wine that is suitable to their lifestyle,” she said. “So if I have a person come in that doesn’t really drink wine and they’re not quite sure what they like and what they don’t like, I typically ask them, ‘What would you buy at the store,’ and we go from there.”

The process

After choosing a wine kit, the customer adds ingredients to water in a plastic container, called a carboy, Stewart said. After the mixture ferments for 10 days, the customer transfers the contents to a glass carboy where it relaxes for another 10 days. Next, customers place additives into the wine and the mixture is well on its way to becoming what some refer to as the elixir of life. After that it takes two to four weeks for the mixture to become what will eventually be enjoyed.

At the final visit, winery customers end up with five gallons, about 26 bottles, of wine that on average costs about $200 — or about $7.70 a bottle, Stewart said. The new winemakers then get to enjoy the last steps of filtering, bottling and labeling.

But the fun doesn’t end with the placing of the last label or cork.

In a party atmosphere, customers then sip their wine and nibble on tasty snacks, enjoying what they created.

“The end product is excellent,” said Desalvo, a Wasilla resident.

Overall, Stewart enjoys helping people create and enjoy wine. It’s also easy to enjoy. This year, a customer’s wine won judges choice at the Alaska State Fair.

“Sometimes people think of homemade wine as grandpa’s hooch, but we offer upper-end, high quality wines,” Stewart said.

Valley Winery is located at 3060 N. Lazy Eight Court No. 13. For more information visit www.wineandbrewsupply.com.

Contact Chris Gillow at 352-2284 or chris.gillow@frontiersman.com.