Today I share the flavors of home winemaking from vintner Rene Loof, who resides in Upland where his small, front-yard Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc vineyard yields grand rewards for the entire family.

Q: When did your interest in growing grapes and winemaking begin?

A: After I remodeled in 2007, I lost all my irrigation. At that point I realized that 90 percent of my water consumption was used for irrigation.

I decided to plant grape vines since I wanted a drought-tolerant landscape.

They don’t take much water, and my south-facing slope was perfect.

I have always liked to plant things that produce some kind of return.

Whether it’s fruit or flower, I like to enjoy what I have planted. The vineyard was a natural fit. I was new to wine making, so the learning process seemed like a fun challenge.

It’s satisfying to grow with the vines, learning what makes them happy so that the fruit they yield will result in a pleasant reward.

Q: What do you enjoy most about making wine? A: Growing the vines and spending time taking care of them. In the dormant season, everything is barren and lifeless, but when spring comes, the vines burst into life.

I chose to head train my vines so my children can play around the vines. When the canopy is developed, they love to play and hide in the foliage. Once the fruit is developed, watching for pests, fungus, checking the brix are activities that build a sense of anticipation of the harvest.

Harvest is the time when you find out whether what you did over the past year will result in some great fruit.

Q: Your favorite grape varieties? A: I chose Zinfandel because it has a history here, and I knew it would grow well. I feel Zinfandel has been given a bad rap. Marketed into this light product called white Zinfandel, it is a total misrepresentation. I tell people I grow Zinfandel, and immediately I see on their face the result of years of product marketing. It shows the versatility of the Zinfandel. From a light, low-alcohol beverage to a full-bodied, complex essence with legs. I love its color, and am not afraid of the alcohol bite; it is part of its character.

Q: What is the greatest reward? A: The learning process is the greatest reward. Each vine is different, and the vines are very forgiving. My 25 Zins is on a 40-foot-by-40-foot slope. I am able to limit my production so to yield a manageable volume. For me, a manageable volume keeps it fun.

My children help me in harvesting, pressing and bottling. We learn about pH, specific gravity, titrations, use of lab equipment like scales and meters. Making wine is an overall enriching family activity that is enjoyed throughout the year. Problems that arise this year are an opportunity to learn. I always keep in mind that next season is another season.

— Gino L. Filippi is a fourth-generation Cucamonga Valley Vintner. He can be reached at Ginoffvine@aol.com