Home in a bottle

A generation ago “real men” needed to be convinced it was okay to eat quiche.

Now, a local winery is helping men understand it’s not only okay to drink wine, it’s almost a gender obligation when the wine is named Homewood Hooch.

Despite its eyebrow-raising name, Homewood Hooch is actually a robust apple-flavored wine blended and fermented at Pome on the Range Orchards and Winery.

The flavor is hardy, decidedly apple, with a rich subtle hint of raisins. Remember those apple and raisin pies grandma used to make? That’s it in a bottle.

Homewood Hooch is a bit more aggressive than the other apple blend wines offered at Pome on the Range and not as delicately fruity, making it an excellent wine to serve with cheese and some of the more ‘masculine’ pork entrees if planning to serve it as a dinner wine.

The pale yellow color is pretty in a glass; the bouquet is faint and pleasant with just enough spice to make it almost exotic.

As for the name, Homewood Hooch is right in keeping with the trend of fun wine names like “Mommy’s 5:00 Treat,” “Mad Housewife” and others. It also happens that while Pome on the Range has a Williamsburg address, it’s really in Homewood.

So what’s a thirsty man to do? Go check it out for yourself. At under $10 a bottle it’s a good buy and maybe even a fun gift.

Pome on the Range is located at 2050 Idaho Road. Just take I-35 to exit 176, you can’t miss it.

See them online at www.pomeontherange.com.