Some thoughts about biblical wine making:

Jesus did it. I guess that counts for something.

Wine is all throughout the Bible. You see it in parables and sacraments.

I once heard a pastor lead a Bible study making this case: "the wine that Jesus made was in fact "new wine" - that is nonalcoholic."

That pastor later got fired for having an affair. I think legalistic people are often crushed under the weight of their own doctrine.

Sometimes we diminish God's gifts for no good reason other than they make us uncomfortable.

It is better to teach self-governance and prudence than it is to teach rules. In many parts of Europe, they are appalled if you drink to excess. On the other hand, their dinner time conversations last long into the night.

I have a friend who makes wine in his basement. It's a kind of a craft. I don't have the patience for it, but I admire craftsmen.

If you are like my friend and have the patience for it, you can learn to start and run your own vineyard and winery at our new sustainable living training center in Harrisburg, PA. It is beautiful and we have experts teaching us.

Cornell U. has some of the best grape-cultivators in the country. That is where we are getting our grapes from (see the accompanying pics).

The winemaking process can be a wonderful tool in building community. That is part of our intent in offering it as a part of our curriculum.

We have a few more spots if you would like to apply.