RICHMOND, Mass - The Furnace Brook Winery is nestled in the middle of an apple Orchard in Richmond, Massachusetts.
"We started the winery with apple wines. As you can see, we have some apples about to bloom," said Furnace Brook Winery owner John Vittori.
But what's already blossoming is business.
"We're up this year already over last year. I think a lot has to do with the wines we're selling, but I think in this economy, people need to relax and a good glass of wine always helps to do that," said Vittori.
Some food and wine experts say sales are up nationally, suggesting wine could be a recession proof industry.
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In a statement, Bill Nelson, the president of WineAmerica said, "An exception would be for very expensive wines in restaurants. Consumers are interested in their local wineries as part of a movement to sourcing food locally. So winery tasting room sales are up in many parts of the country."
Furnace Brook seems to be living proof.
"People are looking to spend more time locally in their own backyard. With the economy being what it is, I think that's helped us," said Vittori.
Workers at Furnace Brook put out thousands of wine cases each year. But the key in any industry, in any economy, is affordability.
"We have some good quality wines, but there's nothing over $20, which is affordable for most people that like to drink wine everyday," said Vittori.
In an economy that may make you feel like you need a glass of wine, this an industry with sales as robust as a cabernet.