Interview with Steve Kroener of Silver Horse Winery and Way-Out Wine Co.
I met Steve Kroener of Silver Horse Winery and Way-Out Wine Co. (the Nada Wines) at the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium in January of 2008. His knowledge and passion combined with his witty good nature made him the perfect candidate for our inaugural winery profile….
Steve is the wine maker for both Silver Horse Winery, where he partners with his father, and Nada Wines. When we sat down to talk he was in Philadelphia trying to break into a new market.
Lindi Kaeur: I would like for our readers to learn a little bit more about you than what they may already know by reading your website. So, Steve. . . what would you be doing if you weren’t a winemaker?
SK: I love food, and I really enjoy cooking. I guess I would be a Chef or own a restaurant. Or I would be chasing tail, but I don’t know if you want to write that.
LK: Since you are such a foodie, what’s your favorite wine and food pairing?
SK: Oh good! I do this thin crust pizza in my pizza oven with carmelized onions, porcini mushrooms, and blue cheese, and I pair it with our Silver Horse Petite Verdot. Delicious!
LK: What would you be drinking right now if you weren’t drinking your own wines?
SK: I AM drinking a Yuengling Traditional Lager right now. Yuengling is America’s oldest brewery with over 175 years brewing experience and 5 generations of brewmasters! (Steve reading from the back of the bottle.)
LK: Is wine more art or science to you?
SK: Well it’s a little of both actually. It’s an art when you look at blending and the styles in which you can make your wine. But then the science comes out because you are dealing with a biodegradable product and you have to do something with it. There is some chemistry involved. . . . and you have to think about the vineyards and how you treat them will in turn determine how the wine comes out.
LK: Do you have any winery traditions, crush traditions or events that you are particularly fond of?
SK: We do! It’s called Vacchanalia, and it’s a traditional grape stomping party that we have done since our first year. We have a lot of fun and it’s really popular with local folks because every year we change the theme. This year is Disco Vegas! You should be there!
LK: What are some practices in the vineyard and in the winery which set you apart or which you are particularly proud of?
SK: I think that something that really sets us apart at the winery is our atmosphere. We don’t just want you to come in, drink, and get out. We want you to stay and relax, enjoy the views, enjoy the wine. To us wine is all about a lifestyle that involves friends, family, and food. We built it that way to provide a memorable experience.
LK: Are there other wineries or winemakers you admire?
SK: I gather inspiration from many people with different approaches or different styles. I look to all of them to help me better myself as a winemaker. But if there were just one person that I think really pointed me in the right direction in my wine making, I would say Scott Holly of Torrin.
LK: Are there any bad habits you would like to break?
SK: Bad habits I’d like to break? I don’t have any of those. . . I like my bad habits!
For more information about Silver Horse or Nada Wines, please visit their website or profile on AmericanWinery.com
