When you ask Matt Reynolds about his favorite way to save a buck, he opens a homemade wine kit. He says a $56 kit will make 30 bottles of his favorite wine. That means he'll save $240 by making wine in his kitchen, versus buying it at a liquor store.
"You're on your way to a car payment or a house payment real quick," he says.
First, Matt sanitizes a six-gallon jug, called a "carboy."
He adds packet contents that are numbered, adds the juice, then tap water and he's done in 20 minutes.
"This is about as tough as making ramen noodles," he says.
Over time, this money-saving hobby has evolved into a passion.
"It's for the love of making it itself," Reynolds says. "For seeing people who are going to try it, smile, and come back for more."
Jeff Long's passion started with a wine kit five years ago; now he even grows his own grapes.
"I fell in love with it," Long says, "and it saves you a lot of money too. That's the best part."
Chuck Deveney, owner of The Brew Shop sells everything a home wine maker needs.
He says some customers eventually become mad scientists, making wine out of tomatoes, garlic and onions.
"Some of the people have brought in recipes that, you know, you have to ask yourself why," Deveney laughs. "Why would you want to make wine out of this?"
For now, Matt will stick with the kit, save a buck, and make friends along the way.
When asked if he's always the life of the party, he replies "I'm always invited."
"You're on your way to a car payment or a house payment real quick," he says.
First, Matt sanitizes a six-gallon jug, called a "carboy."
He adds packet contents that are numbered, adds the juice, then tap water and he's done in 20 minutes.
"This is about as tough as making ramen noodles," he says.
Over time, this money-saving hobby has evolved into a passion.
"It's for the love of making it itself," Reynolds says. "For seeing people who are going to try it, smile, and come back for more."
Jeff Long's passion started with a wine kit five years ago; now he even grows his own grapes.
"I fell in love with it," Long says, "and it saves you a lot of money too. That's the best part."
Chuck Deveney, owner of The Brew Shop sells everything a home wine maker needs.
He says some customers eventually become mad scientists, making wine out of tomatoes, garlic and onions.
"Some of the people have brought in recipes that, you know, you have to ask yourself why," Deveney laughs. "Why would you want to make wine out of this?"
For now, Matt will stick with the kit, save a buck, and make friends along the way.
When asked if he's always the life of the party, he replies "I'm always invited."
