first bottle on the shelf." Fleming took up the slack and now deeply respects the effort these people put into their work. Talk to Fleming about his huckleberry wine and watch his face light up. Fleming goes through 400 gallons of huckleberries each year and puts two pounds of huckle- berries in every bottle. Every Montanan is familiar with that fake huckleberry flavoring that is added to a plethora of products from chocolates to coffee. Fleming is having none of that. He takes great pride in the fact that real huckleberries purchased from local pickers from Hungry Horse to Polebridge go into every bottle. Fleming doesn't just spend his time searching for local
fruits. With help from the women in his life, like girl- friend Rebekkah Evans, he corks and labels each bottle by hand. Considering that this is just a side venture for Fleming while he works full-time at MSU's College of Engineering, it is a wonder that he has kept it up for 10 years. "When I can't find grapes or I can't find fruit there's always the urge to say, 'Gosh, I could just buy some.'" When asked why he puts himself through this, Flem- ing answers, "It's my opinion that if I want a Washington wine, then I can get it in Washington. I don't know why a Washington wine in Montana is what anyone would want. I'm passionate about using local."
Free Wine Tastings in the Shadows of Glacier! Call for Tasting Hours: 406-387-WINO (9466)
100% Montana-Grown fruit and grapes for 100% Montana Wine.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
HIDDEN LEGEND WINERY www.hiddenlegendwinery.com 1345 US Hwy 93 N. #5 Victor, MT
TEN SPOON WINERY www.tenspoon.com 4175 Rattlesnake Dr. Missoula, MT
FLATHEAD LAKE WINERY www.flatheadlakewinery.com 29 Golden Eagle St. Columbia Falls, MT
www.flatheadlakewinery.com www.distinctlymontana.com 43
100% Montana-Made Wines Since 2002
