Better late than never. Harvest has just arrived in mid-September, about three weeks later than normal, which creates several problems. Picking later in the year increases our chances of encountering detrimental weather. So far, we have dodged two storms, one of them very large. The real challenge is that many grapes become ripe on the same day. How do you pick them all at the same time? We are challenged by new state laws concerning overtime limitations for agricultural workers, and there is a lack of available labor to pick up the slack. The grape crop itself is showing good volume and good quality. The first Italian variety we picked was Orange Muscat and today we started picking Pinot Grigio. There is hope that we will be finished by Thanksgiving.

2021 Ramato: If you are into orange wine, this is the one! This is what happens when you allow for a little bit of skin contact during the fermentation. Great nose and great flavors. This one will surprise you with how much character it has. Sharp nose and plenty of flavor. Serve chilled with good food.

2020 Sangiovese: I always like to talk about how we make this wine with 100% Sangiovese, and we do that so that you can really experience the variety. Remember, if it’s purple, it’s not Sangiovese! Sangiovese should have a terracotta color with complex flavors. When we acquired this variety, around 24 years ago, it wasn’t popular and our area was obviously not known for the variety. We went from a position of having a difficult time selling the grapes and wine to today, where we have a waiting list for people who want these grapes. We have added and grafted more acres. It is the grape and wine of Tuscany, and tastes great with Italian food, of course.

2020 Classico: We refer to this one as a Super Tuscan and, for those of you who are going to make the Tuscany trip to Italy in May, we will be going to the Antinori winery where this wine was originally created. Super Tuscan wines have earned immense popularity in Italy and around the world, so much so that they now have their own category. These wines typically blend Bordeaux grapes with Sangiovese, and the combinations can vary a great deal. What makes this one outstanding is that Los Alamos is the perfect spot to grow Sangiovese and we blend it with Bordeaux grapes from the perfect spot, our Valley View Vineyard in Solvang. This wine has continued to score in the 90’s for many years. And the price is right!

I hope a few of you will join me at First & Oak Kitchen on December 1st for a Christmas Winemaker Dinner. Remember that our Pinot Grigio, Viognier, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinot Noir Rosé will complement that Thanksgiving turkey! Being thankful and having a little bit of gratitude is what makes America great. We should be thankful for all of God’s blessings.