A crazy proposition, life-choice decision (long post)

[CrispyDelicious]

Ok, here goes:

On sunday, my parents threw me a curveball. I was at first baffled by their proposal, but the more I think about it the more I see a wonderful opportunity. Let me explain...

I am currently enrolled in a program at York University for my TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)certification. This follows two B.A.'s; philosophy and english. You could say I've never really been dead set on a career. The teaching route seemed like something that would give me not only an enjoyable job, but a reliable source of work (even if I have to travel overseas to ensure it). So far I'm loving my time spent in the classroom teaching (my practicum hours are being spent at a local college), and it looks like clear sailing from here.

Now, my parents (this all comes together in a minute hold on) recently acquired a small property adjacent to theirs in the Niagara region, effectively expanding their land to 13 acres in the dead centre of the Niagara fruit and wine belt. Until now the land has been used as a christmas tree farm which was maintained in the summers while my father was on vacation from teaching (from which he has since retired). My old man, no doubt, has a head for investments and business decisions; he has always been working on a side project and they have always been financial successes, if not VERY successful. You'd be surprised how much money a christmas tree farm can make But I digress.

With the explosion of wineries in Niagara over the past couple of decades, coupled with my father's experience in winemaking (he used to own a small brewery/winery), he has made the following proposition:

Uproot everything on the property, start a vineyard and ultimately, a winery, which he would then give ownership of to me.

At first I was baffled. I know nothing about vineyards or winemaking. I do know, however, that if you start a winery in Niagara, you are more or less guaranteed a successful business, if not a highly lucrative one. The old man has already done thorough research into the process of grape farming and knowing him, IF he does it, it will run smooth as butter. He outright stated "So long as you take the responsibility of knowing everything about this process inside out, and are willing to take the responsibility of maintaining the business, I will be willing to work with you. Very few people get an opportunity like this, son. Seriously consider it."

Like I said, my first thought was that this is just silly. But then like he said, this is a rare opportunity. I'm looking at my future, teaching ESL, not really making much money, being someone else's grunt for the rest of my life, versus taking a chance, possibly ending up as the owner of a lucrative 'cottage' winery (defined as over 8 acres in size) of which I will be the owner. Some people talk about the difference between people that play it safe and people that make those seemingly odd decisions who end up successful and happy. I'm thinking this may be my chance. Am I crazy? Or should I slap myself, seize the opportunity and really MAKE something happen?

TL;DR - My father has proposed that I finish my TESOL program, move back home and start a winery with his capital, of which I will eventually assume ownership. The responsibility is huge, but I will have a job (ESL teaching) to fall back on, and have the possibility to doing something really grand.

If you were me, what would you do? Logistics aside; I'm more interested in the 'life decision' aspect of this.

[Mark Latimour]

I would do it. Have you ever met a rich or happy English teacher?

Seriously, if you are interested in wine, get yourself enrolled in a viticulture course and take this opportunity. This sort of thing doesn't come around very often. Of course, if you have no interest in being a farmer / winemaker, then don't do it because you will hate doing something you don't enjoy.

[MakiSupaStar]

DO IT!

[kesslari]

UC Davis has an incredible viticluture program. Go for it.

[CrispyDelicious]

Originally Posted by Mark Latimour

I would do it. Have you ever met a rich or happy English teacher?

Seriously, if you are interested in wine, get yourself enrolled in a viticulture course and take this opportunity. This sort of thing doesn't come around very often. Of course, if you have no interest in being a farmer / winemaker, then don't do it because you will hate doing something you don't enjoy.

Well I'm more of an ale, porter and stout kind guy...

But in all seriousness, while I'm no sommelier (sp?), being a pro winemaker is very appealing. And being a business owner is even MORE appealing...

Oy... It's certainly one of those, 'if you do it, there's no turning back. Dive right in' situations. And damn is it enticing.

[Relic]

Do it.

No other conversation necessary

[XtreO]

Do it, and I shall drink it.

[UncleFluffy]

Imagine yourself at 70 years old. Which one would leave you more likely to be saying "if only..." ?

[drteeth]

Do it. The rest of us would kill for an opportunity like that.

[UncleFluffy]

The one thing I'd add is: how close are you to getting your piece of paper for the TESOL? If you're close to finishing (say, within 6-9 months), I'd suggest you do that first and get the certification so it's there as a backup plan. No point wasting the time you've invested there.

[FL Knifemaker]

Nothing's better than being in control of your happiness and prosperity. I know nothing about the wine business but I'd rather roll the dice on a good oportunity that spend the rest of my life working for someone else. Best of luck.

[Jonyak]

I give one of my nuts for that kind of opportunity.

[Honk'n_down-low]

Just do it and be sure to include a wood shop so you can build exotic basses in your spare time and give them names of well know grape varietals - with each Bass you could include some wine. It would be unique and appeal to yuppie wanna bees with nothing better to spend their money on.
Make sure in addition to the wood shop there is studio for you. My work is done here - bottoms up. I see a GTG in the future at said winery

[Gard]

Duh.



...dude, jump on it with BOTH FEET. Matter of fact, take several of the suggested courses of action here - your father's suggestion: finish your courses and get your TESOL ticket; then go take some viticulture courses, learn it inside and out.

When you have gotten "there" please let us all know, because I will be first in line to buy a bottle of your product, just to help out a fellow TBer and bassist that has one of the coolest day gigs ever.

Just because I'm curious/nosy, what would you be growing? I'm not that familiar with the wines produced in that area....

[XtreO]

Originally Posted by drteeth

Do it. The rest of us would kill for an opportunity like that.

No?

[drteeth]

Originally Posted by XtreO

No?

In a figure-of-speech way.

[Pilgrim]

As it happens, two weeks ago I sat through a long presentation on what viticulture research has done for the wine industry in Washington state. The growth has been huge, and there is plenty of room for more entries into the market.

There are many educational resources for those in the wine industry - Washington State University does workshops and certificates, and they have essentially built the wine industry in the state. I'm betting that Cornell has similar info - or that Canada has programs which are similar. There are places you can go to learn the process and the business.

If there is indeed an emerging wine industry in the area and you have a shot at getting into it, there may be a big opportunity there. If you're willing to roll the dice, it sounds like your dad and the industry are at the right time for this. Take a shot! Just realize that it will take a few years to get things rolling, as you need to establish vines and there is a lot to learn.

I like the idea. I also think you have a chance to gain not only a career, but a lifestyle that may be excellent for you.

[elgecko]

Finish your TESOL program and DO IT!

I'd give up my current career/life for that opportunity. If it doesn't work out or you hate it, you could always do the TESOL thing.

[Eric Perry]

Definitely do it!

[Baskesman]

Go For It, I'd say! But it'll take years to learn the trade you have to be prepared for that.
I hope you get good advise and learn to taste wine and measure it to quality standards?!

It's good to finish that TESOL thing first That will be of use when you talk to your Cabernet grapes....