Good story, Charlie. Living in one of the biggest wine growing areas in France--though populated by many small, artisan winemakers--I'm aware that winemaking is a labour of love and passion rather than a money making opportunity. There are exceptions of course, but I remember the response of one small winemaker to someone thinking about leaving a successful business in London to make wine in France.

The winemaker asked if this was for the way of life, or for the money. As he relayed it to me, "If he'd said for the way of life, I'd have laughed. If he'd answered, 'for the money,' I'd have laughed hysterically."

Without the passion, there isn't much point.