Getting Closer....

A visual update on our Mission Vineyard:


About 5 days ago, we were about 30-50% complete with verasion in the Malbec block of the Mission Vineyard. (see picture to the left). Mornings have been very cool for the past ten days, with the fog and mist persisting until almost noon on some mornings. We have thinned out some of the leaves in the "fruiting zone" so that any moisture will dry in the afternoon sun,. We hope that by opening up the canopy near the grapes, we can prevent mildew from attacking the grapes--a common byproduct of misty mornings in Sonoma County. In fact, we even had a record-breaking thunder and lightning storm late Tuesday. Although there was barely enough precipitation to note, the fact that it rained in August is pretty astounding.

To the right is a picture of the Malbec block taken today. The purple to green ratio is slowly improving, and after sampling several plump and purple grapes, we can report that the Malbec isn't quite ready for showtime. Although we might be several weeks away from harvesting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, other wineries have already started! As Tom Wark reported recently, a Sonoma Valley vineyard was picked over the weekend for sparkling wine!

Before we know it we too will be up to our ears in sticky grapes...and until then, you'll find us enjoying our last days of casual freedom before the chaos and excitement of harvest kick in.