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 land
• Starting Peony Lane Wine and producing high-elevation Pinot Noir
• Winemaking as farming: soil, climate, and place
• Direct-to-consumer realities for small producers
• Why Ben accepts Bitcoin and why he places importance on it

Why Listen 

• Clear insight into how small wineries actually operate
• A grounded look at family land, legacy, and returning home
• Practical examples of direct-to-consumer sales for farmers
• Rare details about high-elevation Pinot Noir production
• Honest reflections on working with family while building a business

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Timestamps

 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