At 18, I received a position doing odd jobs around a family owned winery in the mountains of North Carolina. Waking up at 5am and going out in the bitter cold to scrub stainless steel tanks with sulfur in order to prep them for that day's incoming harvest was bliss. Working 12 hours straight, coming home with red hands (and teeth), cut fingers, a sunburned neck, and a meager paycheck; I was in my
happy place. My curiosity in the vineyard and winery led me to concentrate in fermentation science in college and begin the pursuit of owning vineyards and wineries one day. Since those early mornings and long days in the vineyard, I've been intrigued not only by the labor of love that goes into wine, but the people behind this wondrous, mysterious beverage we all love so dearly. That's why I started Cru. I've met so many amazing people with incredible stories, I wondered if people like yourself would want to hear those stories too. I'm proud to be able to share them with you. Thank you.
-Chappy, host
