Leaving a legacy isn’t just about the numbers

This past weekend, my family and I continued a tradition that has lasted over five generations. My father was a young kid growing up in Sicily when he started helping crush grapes and make wine on his grandfather’s property. Ever since I can remember, I've been helping my dad make wine. Now, my nephew represents the fifth generation. Some of the equipment we use even dates back to the 1920s.

A few years ago when my wife and I moved to a house with the space, we started making our own batch. Each Thanksgiving, we host a blind taste test with both our families to determine whose wine is best—my father’s, my brother’s or mine and my wife’s. We haven’t won yet, but I have a good feeling about this batch!

This tradition means more to me and my family than any financial legacy ever could. I hope it continues for five more generations after I’m gone.