Somewhere along the line, Larry Sharrott, Jr. must have heard the old adage that if you find a way to earn a living doing something you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. After doing some serious study and practice, Larry took what had been a college hobby and, along with his dad (Larry Sr.), has turned it into the 35-acre Sharrott Winery that in its first year of production has already started winning awards. And despite the hard work, long hours and sleepless nights, the Larrys feel like they have it made.

Well, just take a look at the place. Sharrott Winery is set on gently rolling hills that is not only great for growing grapes, it is a nice spot for a little bird watching, especially from the patio outside their tasting room.

Drop by for a tour – Saturdays are best, especially in September when they have live music each week – and one of the Larrys will escort you through the vineyards. While you’re out there amidst the grapes and blueberries they are growing for their fruit wines, you’ll get to sample some of their wines before heading into the production facilities where you’ll see how they crush, prepare and bottle the wine. Figure on about an hour for the tour.

If you want to do a full-blown wine-tasting, it will run you $3 ($5 on festival days) but you’ll get to sample all of their current offerings.