I can hardly refer to today as work, but it was a day on the job, so technically it is. This morning we tasted through the 2008 lineup of ME Pinot Noir and the 2009 Sauvignon Blanc... Oh yeah, it was a last start so I got to sleep in too. Then, around 10:30am we took off to visit the vineyards that make these wonderful wines. Our trip took us on an intimate back road adventure throughout the entire Russian River Valley, visiting 6 vineyards ranging in location to the northern end of Westside road (in RRV), within a mile of Dry Creek Valley, all the way down to Merry's own vineyard right next to Green Valley, with a few stops in between. Merry really took the time to explain all aspects of these vineyards in detail; from rootstock and clones to sun exposure, soil type, drainage and irrigation. It was an amazing and one of a kind experience. To have someone of her stature, so knowledgeable and passionate about what she does, share it with her harvest team is a very special thing. It really was the best day of work that I have had.
Can't wait to get some grapes in so we can start making wine... hopefully by this weekend!
Hopefully I can get some pics up this week.... I have some good vineyard shots and also some good sunburned grape pics.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
On the Catwalk, Yeah on the Catwalk.... I do my PressureWash Dance on the Catwalk
The heading refers to today's activities. I water blasted the heck out of the catwalks in the winery from 7am-3:30pm. Like they say, cleanliness is next to godliness, and next to primo fruit it is the most important thing in wine making. Well, without a spic and span sanitary environment what is the point of using the best fruit or making wine in the first place, so, maybe cleanliness is numero uno.... anywhoo....
THERE IS NO FRUIT YET! Yes, it's been a cool summer, but there is still no fruit. Last year ME had taken in some grapes as early as August 14th, so now we are officially a few weeks behind. So, with no fruit to work with, we will fill our time with getting the winery sparkling clean, which isn't tons of fun, but is a very good and important thing. So far I have gotten CPR and first aid certified, done a general winery orientation, and cleaned. Tomorrow will be a lot of fun though.... 9am tasting with production (think we'll be tasting the either 08's or 09's), followed by a 10:30am tour that will take us through the vineyards that ME uses for their RRV Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Other than work I have been filling my time with wine tasting; I have managed to hit about 16 wineries since Thursday (I use a spit bucket, except for today's b/c I had a sore back from the pressure washer). I have decided that I am going to keep a notebook on hand to recap thoughts on wines, wineries and tastings, otherwise it's too hard to keep track of information.
My computer is not working properly, so unfortunately I cannot upload pics at this time... hopefully I will get some up later this week.
THERE IS NO FRUIT YET! Yes, it's been a cool summer, but there is still no fruit. Last year ME had taken in some grapes as early as August 14th, so now we are officially a few weeks behind. So, with no fruit to work with, we will fill our time with getting the winery sparkling clean, which isn't tons of fun, but is a very good and important thing. So far I have gotten CPR and first aid certified, done a general winery orientation, and cleaned. Tomorrow will be a lot of fun though.... 9am tasting with production (think we'll be tasting the either 08's or 09's), followed by a 10:30am tour that will take us through the vineyards that ME uses for their RRV Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Other than work I have been filling my time with wine tasting; I have managed to hit about 16 wineries since Thursday (I use a spit bucket, except for today's b/c I had a sore back from the pressure washer). I have decided that I am going to keep a notebook on hand to recap thoughts on wines, wineries and tastings, otherwise it's too hard to keep track of information.
My computer is not working properly, so unfortunately I cannot upload pics at this time... hopefully I will get some up later this week.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Harvest is Finally Here
Well, it's been a long time since my last post... For the last couple of months I have been doing some tasting room sales @ Clos LaChance and also at the Press Club in SF. I have also tried my hand at some sales in San Francisco for a botique winery, mostly to wine bars and restaurants. This has kept me somewhat busy and "all over the place" with the driving. Between the driving, lack of a full time schedule, and lack of $$$, it has been a tough couple of months. Harvest is a little behind this year with our unusually cool summer which kinda stretched out the downtime in between crushes. But, now harvest is upon us, so I will be packing up (well, kinda, I've technically been living out of my suitcase for some time now) and moving to Windsor this evening, when I finish my last shift at the Press Club. Two days of orientation this week, then onto the fun stuff starting on Monday. I will be working for Merry Edwards up in the Russian River Valley, which is going to be an awesome experience. They make excellent wine, have an awesome new facility and the team is loaded with experience. I cannot wait to work hard, get dirty and most importantly, learn! Cheers for now.
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