So you've finally reached that point in business when it's time to slow down. Maybe even start a small business where you're not always on the go.
Like making handcrafted, small lot, premium wines.
"In racing," says Scott Pruett, "you live life in seconds. In grapes, you measure it in years."
After 50 years of racing throughout the world, Pruett retired last January as the premier driver in sports car history with 60 wins, 11 championships, and a record five victories in the prestigious 24 Hours of Daytona. Also, while racing stock and Indy cars, he'd become one of the few to compete in both the Daytona and Indianapolis 500s.
All this after 1990, when a horrific crash at 150 miles an hour had left Pruett with a broken back, shattered ankles and kneecaps, and a brief threat of lifelong paralysis.
Today Pruett, 58, is as admired for being a vintner as a racer.
"We produce our own wines," he says, "and we're tied for first in the world.,
Since 2012, Wine Spectator Magazine–the industry's standard seller–has given at least 93 of 100 points to all four of Pruett's estate-grown wines. In 2017, the magazine awarded his 2014 Sierra Foothills Championship Cuvee Syrah 96 points–matching the only other label it ranked No. 1.
Several former drivers, including Mario Andretti, have their wine labels too, but only Pruett immerses himself in every aspect of the business from start to finish.
In 2006, Pruett and his wife, Judy, purchased land in northern California. He fenced and terraced the hillsides and planted his vines by hand.
Now, during September harvests, Pruett works through the night with his picking crews. Next, the grapes are guided through cold soak, fermentation, pressing, and at last, barreling in French Oak from Cooperage houses and forests throughout France.
About 22 months later, Pruett brings in a small mobile unit to bottle his wines.
And then?
"Enjoy!"
