Construction update - foundation walls are in

In less than a week, Coots Concrete put up forms for our foundation, poured concrete, and took down the forms. We've also got drains in place for our production room. The builders have all of the wall sections built and ready to be assembled, so we should see the building framed up really soon.

In the news

"Wine Guy" Jeff Richards of the Elmira Star Gazette featured Finger Lakes Distilling in his column this past Saturday.

Read more: http://www.stargazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008807260334

Construction is underway

It's been a busy week at the construction site. Our contractor, Sutherland Builders, handled the excavation of our building footprint and we've since begun pouring concrete. The footers are in and now the forms are being put in place. Walls should be poured early next week. The builders also got a head start on framing up some of the wall partitions. Things are moving along.

Lucie and her grandpa monitor construction progress

My little girl, Lucie (8 mos old), visited the site with her grandpa Bill today. In the background is the trench dug for the water line.

Banker meets Farmer

In April 2007, while researching this business idea, my dad and I attended a conference held by the American Distilling Association, a trade group representing the growing micro-distilling industry. After arriving in Louisville, KY, we wandered down to the opening night mixer and encountered a number of M(a)cKenzies in attendance. There must be something in the McKenzie bloodline that draws us to the business.

One of the McKenzies was a particular character, Thomas Earl McKenzie, from Monroeville, Alabama. At the time, I could only understand about half of Thomas's comments (I've since started to talk like him). We hit it off immediately and after returning from the conference continued to explore a possible working relationship.

While I have spent most of my working career behind a desk in economics and finance, Thomas has hands on experience in farming and alcohol production, including winemaking, brewing and distilling. It was obvious to both of us that it was a good match. I could focus on the marketing, finance and legal aspects of the business, while Thomas could head up our production efforts. After spending more time with each other, however, we both realized that it wouldn't be so simple - Thomas has the brains and creativity to help with the business aspects and I also hope to help with production.

Thomas and his family (wife, Aja, and two daughters, Pierce and Erin) committed to the endeavor by moving to the area last winter. Since then, they have added a son, Colin, to the crew.

In developing this business, the people we've met with have taken a great deal of interest in the differences between our backgrounds. I guess it makes for an interesting story, but all I know is that we're having a blast getting this off the ground and we are both excited to offer only the best distilled spirits for our customers.

That's me on the left (I really don't like wearing suits anymore). Thomas Earl is on the right.

Temporary Site Launched

We're on the web at http://www.fingerlakesdistilling.com/. It's a temporary site for now. We hope to have more info online later this summer.

Our web development work is being done by Mike Schofield at http://www.resourceroomproductions.com/. Schof was one of my best friends growing up and has developed a great portfolio of design work in NYC.

Quick vineyard update

Grapes are in bloom. It's hard to believe with all the cutting back we did this winter, that we could get this kind of growth.