Winemaking - A New Pastime

Several Westmoreland County residents have found themselves a new pastime. It involves corks, bottles, and juice. That's right, its wine making. Thanks to Ken Terwilliger and his wife Robyn, owners of Duncan's Brew Shop located inside of Duncan True Value Hardware, they have exposed many people to winemaking at its finest.

It all started for Ken and Robyn in 1990. Robyn noticed that they were having a large request for corks at the hardware store. She looked into it a little more to discover that it was for wine. After discussing it with her husband, they decided to begin carrying the supplies for winemaking.

As you walk into Duncan's True Value Hardware Store, you will see two aisles to the right that are dedicated to wine and beer making. The shop carries everything you would need to get started and everything you would need to keep it going including an equipment kit, boxed juices, bottles, labels, corks, etc. There are options about what kind of wine you want to make from dry, sweet, and semi-dry. And they have supplies for beer and wine coolers as well.

If you are just getting started, Robyn recommends buying the equipment kit. The wine turns out well and it gives the maker encouragement so they will want to keep going. One kit will produce about 30 bottles. Once you get started you can experiment with different flavors each time.

'It's a great hobby for people because it gives them something to do and helps develop friends,' said Robyn. 'You can even have your own wine-tasting party or use it to make gifts for special events such as graduations, Christmas, and wedding favors.'

With nearly 20 years under their belt in the winemaking business, Ken and Robyn have a lot of knowledge about the hobby. So whatever level you are at with winemaking, they can help you and give the best advice they can. With a large walk-in cooler, Duncan's Brew Shop houses a wide array of juices that make the wine. Boxed juices come from countries, estates, and regions throughout the year. Pennsylvania juices are only available in the Fall through the first of the year. California juices are only available in September and October.

Each year Duncan's Brew Shop hosts a wine tasting contest and Customer Appreciation Day. This year it was held March 9 and it had a grand turnout.

'Our first year we had about ten people. But now it's up to about 150,' said Robyn. 'Our customers have become our friends so we have a great time tasting everyone's wine and talking with everyone.'

At the event there is a loosely run contest. Each person attending the event can vote for their favorite wine and beer. First, second, and third places are given to those with the most votes in certain categories. This year's winners were: Angelo Rose, Mike Serlo, Nick Mervish, Joe Canale, Bob Fisher, and Gary Slafka. Congratulations to every-one for making outstanding wine!

The winemaking business really exploded in the mid 1990's. Supplies became more affordable, books were written about it, and clubs began to start. Now any person can start making wine without having knowledge passed down from their ancestors. This is how the business changed Duncan's True Value Hardware store.

'In order to compete with large hardware chains such as Home Depot and Lowe's, we figured we have to try new things,' said Ken.

Winemaking was one possibility that they were unsure of, but has turned out to be a blessing. Anyone who is a winemaker in Westmoreland County most likely gets their supplies from Duncan Brew Shop. They started it at the right time and people in this area enjoy the hobby of winemaking.

However, hardware and wine making supplies are not all you will find in this shop. Robyn has another small business inside as well that is called 'Robyn's Floral, Gifts and Balloons.' She does everything from weddings to birthdays and everything in between. Also available at the store is bait, tackle and fishing supplies, propane, U Haul rentals, gift items and cards, repair services of lawnmowers, rescreening, and annual flowers to name just a few. Soon Ken and Robyn will have to think about changing the name of the store to encompass all that they do!

Hours for the store are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. ' 5 p.m. on Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Stop in and see what is available and maybe learn how to create your first bottle of wine.