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

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.

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!

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.

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.