Growing Up a Cellar Rat, by Beau Ballard

While growing up, the words I heard most often from my peers were, “I’m bored.” I can truly say that being raised in, and around, a family business; boredom was not a problem for me. In some cases, it was best to stay as far away as possible - in avoiding the possibility of being called-to-duty! However, in most cases, I’ve truly enjoyed the opportunity to help out.

I have many memories of being around the winery as it’s what I’ve known my entire life. Of those memories, one of my fondest is being able to go see my dad working in the cellar. It was the highlight of my day, and the possibility of getting to help out on the bottling line was exciting! I can remember begging for that chance; and when given it, would work 5-6 hours and go home with a $20 bill in my pocket…which could very well have defined cheap labor back then.

Another memory growing up around the winery includes hiding from my parents in the cellar where there are multiple rooms filled with hundreds of boxes filled with bottles of wine. During my younger years I loved to climb on those boxes and take naps in between the pallets of wine. One day, as I emerged from one of those climbing/napping adventures, I found myself in a bit of trouble as my mother had been searching frantically for me. Still, it did not stop me from exploring my cellar realm and I continued to do so for many years. 

THEN - 2000

NOW - 2013

While introducing myself to dorm mates, at Colorado Christian University – where I’ve just completed my first year, the question arouse of what we did with our summer vacation. It is always fun to respond with, “What I do every summer; crush grapes and make wine with my father.” Growing up with your parents owning their own business can have its perks, and its shortfalls, but it is something I will cherish for the rest of my life. As I said before, I enjoy helping out at the winery and feel blessed in having the opportunity to brag about what they do for a living.