01/14/2026
One of the most common questions I get asked is “What made you get into winemaking?” My answer is always the same… “my Dad”…
My father was named Bruce Wayne (Van Etten). Yes, just like Batman. As a child, I was always so proud to tell my friends my dad was Batman. And in my eyes, he really was a hero, MY hero! Sure, he made mistakes as a father and a husband, but my goodness… we all loved him and respected him. One of his favorite hobbies was winemaking in our basement. I remember looking at his equipment in action with airlocks bubbling like it was science and magical potions combined!
Jump ahead 40+ years, one day in 2021 shortly after I bought a house that had been vacant for three years, my dad and I found a hidden closet in my basement and when we saw inside, it was filled with wine making supplies (and roughly 60 bottles of homemade wine that tasted like vinegar!), we both knew it was a sign, and that we should start making wine together!
And so… I started some experimental batches in 2021 as a hobby. In 2024 I opened GenuWine Productions in Scottsville New York. This May will be two years in operation, where I make a full range of reds, whites and blends. My red wines are my favorites to drink and my dad always loved a good Cabernet Sauvignon.
On December 14, 2025, my Bruce Wayne passed away in his home at the age of 82. Although his health had been declining and we all knew the end was coming, we certainly weren’t ready to say goodbye.
And here we are today, one month after losing Dad, aka Brucerman, celebrating his life and honoring his impact on ours. The Brucerman Blend is medium bodied, fruit forward, a little bit of spice… And mostly Cabernet Sauvignon. It pairs well with euchre, Netflix, and good company!
To my blue eyed hero… Cheers, Dad❣️
