A Passion for Vinting
DEC 06 2020
Nicole A. Hawley
After serving his country in Operation Iraqi Freedom, U.S. Air Force retired Corey Christman and wife Jennifer are using their passions to continue giving back to those who served through their own wine label — Bravery Wines.
After retiring from the Air Force in 2012, Christman started his hobby as a home winemaker. Becoming more and more fascinated by the process, he decided to grow his skills.
Christman grew up in Oswego, and his parents Vaughn and Renae Christman, live in Rome.
“I enrolled in a certificate program at Washington State University, and after completing enology and commercial wine making operations courses, I was introduced to John and Ann Martini, owners of Anthony Road Wine Company, in Penn Yan, and head wine maker, Peter Becraft. I began an internship there in 2014, and never left,” said Christman. “These days I split time between my home in Johnstown, Pa., but I also have a residence on Seneca Lake, right in Penn Yan. I have a consulting business as well.”
When Christman first started out, he was working primarily harvest, which was from September to November or December, but now is in the Seneca Lake region throughout the year working various facets of the wine business.
It was about 18 months ago that he and wife Jennifer decided to bring their own label, Bravery Wines, to life. The wine was originally to launch around Memorial Day, but due to COVID-19, the Christmans decided to delay their debut. But come Veterans Day, it was time to “flip the switch,” Corey said.
See more at the Rome Sentinel.