Low-Intervention Wine & Natural Winemaking - Ben Justman | #94

Ben Justman of Peony Lane Wine grew up on this Colorado orchard, returned in his mid-20s, taught himself winemaking, and now runs a small high-elevation Pinot Noir winery on his family’s land, built alongside his father. Key Topics Childhood on a self-sustaining orchard and returning to family landStarting Peony Lane Wine and producing high-elevation Pinot NoirWinemaking as farming: soil, climate, and placeDirect-to-consumer realities for small producersWhy Ben accepts Bitcoin and why he places importance on itWhy Listen Clear insight into how small wineries actually operateA grounded look at family land, legacy, and returning homePractical examples of direct-to-consumer sales for farmersRare details about high-elevation Pinot Noir productionHonest reflections on working with family while building a businessWebsiteInstagramXTimestamps 00:00:00 – Arriving at Peony Lane and first impressions 00:09:00 – Growing up on the farm 00:18:30 – Leaving, travel, and returning home 00:27:30 – Starting the winery 00:36:30 – Pinot noir and site limitations 00:45:30 – Small vs industrial wine 00:54:30 – Stewardship and identity 01:03:30 – Building the house with his father 01:12:30 – Family, legacy, and land 01:21:30 – Direct-to-consumer sales 01:30:30 – Bitcoin and values-based customers 01:39:30 – Money, sovereignty, and the future