SHARON PORTA

Times Correspondent

Bob Birkett and his wife have decided to do what the books advise for people nearing retirement age. As a former Dolton police officer, Birkett has long been making wine, and has served as a judge for the Indianapolis International Wine Competition. His wife is a librarian. So they decided to combine their interests and open a winemaking supply store that also carries books.

"Neither of us is interested in retiring completely," Birkett said. "We figured it would be fun to run a business involving something we were interested in. I originally wanted to open a winery, but that takes gobs of money and a lot of time for licensing. At my age, I'm not up for a two-year process."

Birkett took wine making classes at Purdue University, winning top awards in various competitions. People would call and ask his advice, so Birkett decided to make a business out of it.

"I was teaching people how to make wine and then sending them out to buy supplies," he said. "I figured I could sell those supplies myself and make my own hobby cheaper."

The Birketts finished a pole barn at a home they had bought years earlier and began stocking it with inventory.

"With wine making kits costing between $55 and $220, it wasn't cheap to get started," he said. "But there are not a lot of companies around that sell winemaking supplies."

Supplies can be purchased on the Internet, and Birkett said that is fine for those who know what they are doing and don't need advice. Although the store is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, he keeps his phone on for his customers who do need help.

"It's not unusual for people to call me throughout the day," he said. "That's not something you can get on the Internet. And it usually turns out that I learn something from the people I help."

The store offers equipment in a range from beginner to expert, in a wide variety of qualities.

"Wine making is becoming more popular, but my research showed that the number of winemaking supply stores was not increasing," Birkett said. "In talking with other wine supply owners, I found that 90 percent of their business happens between Thursday and Sunday, so that's what I do."

Since opening, business has been good.

"We knew business would initially be slow, we're off the beaten track but this isn't an impulse purchase," Birkett said. "Our customers are sending us more people every day. We have a store with quality stuff run by people who know what they are doing. Our customers feel that it's worth the drive."