Starting my own business was always something that I envisioned for myself. I looked at many options over the years but nothing really felt right. After being laid off by a company that I had been with for 11 years, it’s easy to say I was at a crossroads in my life. I took some time to reflect, and speak with employment Councillors and I decided to go to College for the first time in my life. At 50 years old I was the oldest student in my class. The Human Resources profession was always something I was interested in, so I decided to apply for the 2012 Human Resources course at NBCC.  Thankfully I was accepted, and subsequently graduated in June of 2013 with a certificate in Human Resources. Turns out it was one of the best experiences of my life.

After graduating I worked at a couple of jobs that didn’t work out. One day in spring of 2016 I was driving to Wine Kitz Riverview to bottle my wine. I had made wine on my own for most of my adult life, but I had decided to start having someone else make it for me, as I didn’t really have the space at home to do it anymore. While driving to Riverview that day, a light bulb went off in my head (like an Oprah moment) and I thought to myself, I should open a wine kit store in Richibucto. Boy did I have questions for Don and Terri that day. After speaking with them, I knew right away that this was what I wanted to do. Taking into consideration that I knew how to make wine and our community did not have a wine kit store at the time, it was the perfect scenario. And it just felt right.

I was able to transfer the knowledge and experience I received from all the classes I took at NBCC, and all I can say is that it materialized very quickly. I started looking for a place to lease, researched what equipment I needed to buy, and after doing my due diligence I secured funding from CBDC. I was determined to open my store by the end of that year (2016) and I did. The doors opened at 10:00 a.m. on November 8^th, 2016 just in time to start making wine for Christmas. What an exciting day that was. I told myself that I was not going to have any expectations for opening day, but I had faith in myself and in my community, and the response could not have been better. Time has sure gone fast, this November 8^th Kent County Wines will be celebrating its 5th year in business.

For those of you who do not know, each wine kit makes approximately 30 bottles of wine and takes 30-45 days depending on the kit you choose. Prices also vary depending on the kit. I also charge a fee to make your wine in-house, however if you are a home brewer yourself, you can buy a kit, take it home, and make it yourself.  Kent County Wines is also a retail store carrying generally all wine making merchandise.

The people of Kent County are known for supporting their community by shopping local and keeping their money in the community, and I am so thankful for that. The best part of this venture is the local people I get to see and meet each day. I now consider a good portion of those people my friends.

Kent County Wines is located at 9418D Main Street, Richibucto (right beside Polycor Printing). Phone number is 523-6800. Stop by or call anytime for more information. I would be happy to match you with your perfect wine kit.