5 minute read
We have TWO Artists for you to meet in this issue; One makes Heirlooms, the other makes Wine
Simply Special
SARATOGA creates heirloom keepsakes that celebrate lives and legacies one design at a time
WRITTEN BY ANN HAUPRICH PHOTOS PROVIDED
What began a quarter of a century ago as a hobby that celebrated the lives and legacies of friends and relatives has been re-imagined as an exquisite upstate New York business where proprietor Beth Pechtel puts heart and soul into creating personal and meaningful heirloom keepsakes, one design at a time. In addition to celebrating such joyous occasions as births, graduations, weddings and anniversaries, Beth excels at crafting commemorative treasures honoring deceased loved ones. Often on her mind as she contemplates how best to serve her clients at Simply Special Saratoga is Maya Angelo’s inspiring adage about trying to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. “Suffering a loss is so difficult. Having a keepsake to cherish can be a great comfort to those with grieving hearts,” reflects Beth who photographed boots for a memorial project after her own beloved Uncle John’s passing four years ago. “The boots represent hard work and the impact my uncle had upon my life. He was such a hard worker and made such a difference in so many lives. I never noticed the heart-shaped knot in the wood until I came home to edit the photos. Of all the places that I could have photographed them. My wink from the universe. A reminder that everything will be okay.” For the full interview, (and more photos!) please visit SimplySaratoga.com. Or check out Beth’s website:
SimplySpecialSaratoga.com
FOR THE LOVE OF Making Wine
WRITTEN BY MEGIN POTTER PHOTOS BY ALICE COREY PHOTOGRAPHY
Throughout the ages, wine has held its place at our Once these grapes, consistently picked at their peak, arrive tables, yet, this most ancient of libations is still being in his driveway, the wine-making process really begins. discovered anew. The Corey’s 8-year-old daughter, Amelia, is an enthusiastic “Wine is much more than the simple making and drinking of volunteer (and taste-tester when it’s still in its grape juice it,” said Michael Corey. He crafts his own wine. He and his phase) making their hobby an enjoyable experience for the wife, Alice, are also the founders of the Saratoga Chapter of entire family. the American Wine Society. The grapes are crushed, fermented for two weeks, pressed, DISCOVERING A PASSION FOR WINE transferred into glass jugs (called carboys), fermented for In 2013, Michael was looking for a hobby and happened upon a few more weeks, then transferred into oak barrels where wine-making. they will age in the Corey’s basement for more than a year “I developed more of a taste for it as I learned more about vintage. it. It was something that was learn-as-I-go,” he said.
It has been a journey of discovery – understanding the technical components of how to create a great wine and why the Currently, this process results in a total of 550 bottles of tradition of consuming wine continues to hold our attention. wine annually that Michael splits with his partner in wine,
CRUSHING IT
Creating an amazing wine takes time. It also takes great grapes. Decoding the mystery behind the missing Carriage Creek Beginning in October, the fall grape harvest yields an abun- Nearly a bottle’s worth is lost every month during the oak dance of this most sought-after fruit. That’s when Michael barrel aging process simply due to evaporation – also known drives 2 ½ hours to Hartford, CT to pick up his pallets – 1,800 as “the Angel’s share.” lbs. worth every year - brimming with grapes grown under before being bottled as that year’s Carriage Creek Winery
WINE EXPLORERS
Eliot Birnbaum. “They always seem to disappear pretty quick,” said Michael. wines begins even before they make it into the bottle. the warm sun shining upon the California-based Lanza Musto Once it does find its way into a bottle, many of those bottles Vineyards. are simply given away. Working at LeChase Construction, Michael develops many new business relationships. At these “If you’re going to wait more than a year to drink this wine, meetings, the gift of a home-brewed bottle of wine in a you might as well start with premium grapes,” he said. branded pine wine crate with a personal note tucked inside, is often a welcome ice-breaker and conversation piece.
CHARDONNAY - “HEY!”
It also doesn’t hurt to mention that Carriage Creek wines are award-winners. Recognized internationally by Wine Maker magazine, they’ve also outpaced their competitors in Musto Wine contests because of their high-quality appearance, aroma, taste, and overall impression. So, what’s the key to Carriage Creek’s success? It’s that they are going beyond their basement brewery. These Saratoga Cellar Dwellers started the Saratoga chapter of the American Wine Society this year to learn about wine along with others in a fun, relaxed way. “Wine can be very intimidating but wine consumption is growing in the US. People are trying new and different wines and educating themselves about it. You don’t need to be high society to drink wine and you don’t need to buy an expensive wine to enjoy it,” said Michael.
EXPAND YOUR WINE HORIZONS
The Saratoga Wine Society hosted one event with a renown 300-year-old Italian maker last winter, before switching to a virtual tasting with Point of the Bluff Vineyards in early summer. In July, the group again quenched their thirst for adventure with wines from Old Tavern Farm Winery on Saratoga Lake where the gorgeous, well-cared for grounds and animals, as well as the stunning sunset views had participants floating on cloud wine and feeling fine. The beautiful tasting room at Galway Rock Vineyard and Winery in Ballston Lake this fall was another invitation for Saratoga Wine Society members to put on their rosecolored glasses and see the possibilities just over the horizon. In addition to hosting the Saratoga Wine Society’s 6-8 annual events, the Carriage Creek Winery is readying their new Cabernet Sauvignon and a Petit Sirah wines. For more information, find them on Facebook @SaratogaWineSociety or on Instagram @American_Wine_Society_Saratoga.
