About Chateau Listeur... the name

I have been making home brewed beer since 1975 and started making hard apple cider and berry wines in 1980. After moving to Alaska it was very exciting to see all of the berries that grow very well  up here.  Growing my own berries in Alaska was a no-brainer. In Alaska I continued with my hobby making wine from produce that I bought. My goal is to make wine out of the fruits and berries that I grow myself.

I did plant a raspberry bed in my front yard in Anchorage and it was very productive as you can see.

My favorite resource for berry growing information is The Backyard Berry Book by Stella Otto.

When I moved out to Wasilla I brought some raspberry plants along and they are doing well out in my Wasilla garden. I have since added rhubarb, black currents, gooseberries, blackberries, and a strawberry bed. It is taking a few seasons for the berries to mature and become productive.

My country wine recipes make five gallons and require about 15 lbs of berries or fruit. I pick the berries as they ripen and wash and freeze them for later use. I have about 8 lbs of frozen raspberries saved so far. During my first summer in Wasilla I decided to visit Pyrah's Pioneer Peak Farm. They allow the public to pick their own produce. I came home with 25 lbs of rhubarb and set about producing my first vintage Chateau Listeur country wine... The complete step by step recipe for Alaska Rhubarb Wine can be found on my Alaska Home Wine-makers Blog.

Hence the name I chose to call the property is for use on my country wine labels as you can see. Cheers!