Blogs

February, 2025

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

We are well into the grapevine pruning season and have been without rain for this winter. We have a potential forecast for rain in over the early part of February, and it’s really important that this takes place.

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January, 2025

From the Ground Up

For the 55th year, it’s time to start all over.

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December, 2024

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Now that harvest is over, it’s time for clean-up, repairs, and preparation for the start of the pruning season.

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November, 2024

From the Ground Up

In most cases, I would rate the quality of this year’s grapes as outstanding. Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay should be one of our best vintages.

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October, 2024

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

I am looking forward to the vineyard tour this month. I do this tour every day but by myself, so I love having the company!

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September, 2024

From the Ground Up

We started harvest with the early varieties and the crop is a little smaller than average in size. The quality is looking good.

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August, 2024

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Here in the new world, we are a month from harvest. The grape crop looks good. We had a scare with some smoke from a wildfire but we are fortunate that the prevailing winds took it south and east of us.

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July, 2024

From the Ground Up

Today it is 100°F in Solvang, and we are supposed to get even hotter over the next five days. We have been irrigating furiously, which helps a little and makes us feel better. We’ll know the outcome in 10 days.

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June, 2024

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

What are the chances of having two wet winters in a row? Very good, it seems! Grapevines like winter moisture, which helps to dilute any salts in the soil.

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May, 2024

From the Ground Up

Our first look at the new vine growth suggests a medium-sized crop. The added rain is giving us plenty of growth. I expect some flowering in May.

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