This is one of my favorite times of year here in Monterey County, maybe because I like suspense. This is bloomtime for the “earlier” varieties of winegrapes such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc. The challenge here in this region and in this climate, though, is getting the right weather to achieve relatively good “set” or good pollination and fertilization of each berry on the cluster (the grape flowers are bisexual, by the way, and are self-pollinating, so bees are out of the picture). We tend to have extremely variable weather in the spring which can include late frosts, heat waves, gusty winds, rain and even hail. This poses a challenge to get good, consistent set.

These are photos from Chula Vina today, and I’ve attempted to capture the infant clusters, on the verge of blooming. This is Pinot Noir — Dijion clone 115 to be exact — and is at the bottom of the hill in this vineyard. This block tends to be last to do most everything. The blocks further up the hill are just starting to bloom, and the Chardonnay — at the very top ‘o the hill — is just finishing.

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Speaking of Chula Vina Chardonnay, here’s a nice review on Appellation America of our 2005 offering. Unfortunately, we are nearly sold-out. The 2006 should be released this November, and dare-I-say just might be the best yet…..

Wondering who does our graphic and package design? We get compliments all the time on our label design, product photos and advertisements and because of that feel I should mention one of the folks behind the scenes. The wonder woman behind all of that design is none other than Ginny Westcott. She has an incredible talent and great sense of style (and is also a joy to work with)!

Yes.  In addition to many retail establishments in the Bay Area (Arlequin Wine Merchant, The Jug Shop, The Wine House, K&L Wine Merchants, Half Moon Bay Wine and Cheese Shop, The Wine Stop, Robert’s Market of Woodside), our current Pinot Noirs (2005 Chula Vina and 2005 Tondre Grapefield) are now available in a number of fine San Francisco restaurants, including:

 Ame Restaurant, Mission Street

Jack Falstaff, 2nd Street at Brannan

Umami, Union & Webster

Frascati, Hyde

Que Syrah, West Portal Ave (Sunset District)

 More to come……..

 Spring Has Sprung

Our cellar dogs got to escape the cellar and go on a little hike the other day in the hills above Carmel Valley, and here is what they saw.  The wildflowers are beautiful this time of year and it was a great day to get out!

Other News

This past Wednesday, Laurie Daniel wrote a nice article about Monterey Chardonnay and she reviewed our 2005 Chardonnay among many other tasty offerings from this area.  Click here to read further.

Our tasting room is moving right along and is scheduled to open in the first part of June.  I will keep you updated on the progress.

Our spring wine club shipment just went out and included 2006 Sauvignon Blanc and 2005 Chula Vina Pinot Noir.  It is not too late to sign up if you would like to receive these wines as a wine club member with a discount.  Call the winery at 831-384-7806 and talk with Laura about the details.