Sure, we love a glass of sangiovese from Tuscany, an Australian shiraz, or a malbec out of Argentina. But wine made in Boston? You heard right. Longtime North End resident Ralph Bruno, owner of traditional Italian eatery Venezia, recently opened the Boston Winery (26 Ericsson Street, Boston, 617.265.WINE) next door. Local individuals or groups can purchase their own barrel of vino - prices range from $2650 to $6000 - and take part in as much (or as little) of the year-long winemaking process as they choose. Members (i.e., those who've made a purchase) select a type of barrel, a blend of California grapes, and a personalized label; then they assist Bruno and company with, among other processes, the grape-crushing, de-stemming, pressing, and racking. Private tastings can be arranged during the wine's aging process; future plans for the winery include members-only feasts and wine trips. Barrels should be ordered by the end of July, though, since the process begins in September. Visit www.bostonwinery.net for more information.
