Kirby Marchi, a 25-year resident of Hampton, will host the grand opening of The Home Brew Barn on Saturday, Aug. 4, 2012. [Nancy Rineman photo]

HAMPTON -- Kirby Marchi's passion for wine making began when he was a student at the University of New Hampshire. Then, he developed a passion for brewing beer, too, turning it into a hobby as well as a social medium.

His career path, however, was environmental engineering. Now, 35 years later and retired, he has been inspired by his sons, Nicholas and Jason, to return to pursuing his dreams.

Today, Marchi is sharing his passion and talent at his new business, The Home Brew Barn, located at 861 Lafayette Road in Hampton, and his sons are involved, too.

The store will hold its grand opening on Saturday, Aug. 4. A beer brewing demonstration will be held at 2 p.m., followed by a wine making demonstration at 4 p.m.

Marchi is eager to bring the craft to the town where he and his family have lived for 25 years.

"I just want to see people make wine and brew beer," Marchi said. "I'm lucky to be able to do that in Hampton."

Ingredients and equipment for the new or not-so-new crafters will be sold. The products include brew pots, bottles, grapes, presses and stainless steel tanks. Students of wine making and beer brewing may be interested to know their own gardens can become a source of ingredients.

"There are so many things to add to improve flavor," Marchi said.

Even an assortment of hops and vines can be found locally, and roots are popular in the spring, Marchi said.

A two-hour class for brewing beer or a class for making wine will be offered at the introductory price of $25. Marchi said a "summer blend" class will offer a combined two-hour class for both processes. He said he hopes Saturday's grand opening will be a social event for groups of friends who wish to join together for the classes and the fun of home brewing.