It is harvest time. We are only 3-4 weeks late due to the cool spring weather and, of course, three or four heat spikes! Most of the grapes are ripening together, that is to say, early and late grapes are becoming ripe at the same time. I don’t want to say it is a harvesting nightmare, but I am tempted. We are picking as fast as we can. Our workers are doing a great job, which is good because additional workers are unavailable. Whatever happened to normal?

2020 Sparkling Wine: Sparkling Wine is my wine of choice. It is light, refreshing, and you get a little high on the bubbles! It is fun, a celebration, and a great excuse for anything. This one is the first blend we originally made from half Pinot Noir and half Chardonnay, brut in style (low sugar). Fun in a bottle!

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon, Clone 6: Now we have to get serious. Clone 6 was a dream of mine 20 years ago when I first tasted Clone 6 from BV (Beaulieu Vineyard). There was something about it...there was everything about it. It was the essence of Cabernet. I was told it was almost impossible to grow - I love encouragement like that! We have been making it for over 17 years now. It is a challenge in the vineyard, but not impossible. The vines require special attention during the bloom period in the spring and it cannot take stress. Anyone who thinks a vine has to be stressed to grow great grapes has been reading comic books. Give me a beautiful vine, just like everything that’s beautiful. Clone 6 is very consistent every year and the flagship of our red wines. Thank you BV!

After our Christmas House on December 1st here in Solvang, we will be walking over to the First & Oak Kitchen for a private dinner which they tell me I am hosting. We will begin the Christmas season with a flight of beautiful wines and beautiful people. How is that for farmer mentality? I am looking forward to it and hope you can join us.