Second-Generation Owner Explains How He Built This From Nothing But A Vineyard

Reflecting on four decades of hard work and sacrifice during a trade luncheon Wednesday, second-generation proprietor Chip Rademacher described building the estate from absolutely nothing but a fully planted 60-acre vineyard, an operating winery, a distribution agreement, and a house, sources reported. “Nobody handed me anything. I started in the cellar just like everybody else,” said Rademacher, who started in the cellar owned by his father, whose name is on it. “You’ve got to be willing to bet on yourself.” Rademacher added that the next generation lacks grit, and that his son would be taking over in the spring.