It’s July.
I actually tried to post about two months ago but my post got eaten by the computer…..it just never got posted. So much for technology.
The winery has been busy, though not as busy as last year. Saturdays have been tough as I do the Vashon Farmers’ Market in the morning from 10-1:30, then dash to the winery to be open from 2-5pm. Until recently Art was helping work one of those shifts so it was much easier.
This week I did both, then the winery hosted Orville Johnson and Mark Graham, the Kings of Mongrel Folk, in the winery. Their music, their personalities and their performance was very skillful. It was irreverent, yet poignant. It was very impressive. We had about 28 people and filled the winery.
Rain fell and could be heard on the roof…..kind of like applause.
I’m not teaching this quarter. I was dismissed, as I was told, because I was too honest to my students and I would tell them that I didn’t know some of the answers to their questions.
I may be back in the fall.
However, it is a blessing. I have been able to get alot done at the winery, mostly racking (transferring) wines into fresh barrels and general upkeep around the winery.
I also have been able to get out and sell some of my wine.
I have a lot of good wines in barrel. Today I racked the 2005 Merlot. It is bright and concentrated. I think the ‘05 vintage is going to be good; it was a nice combination of a cool spring and a hot summer followed by cool conditions at harvest, even some unusual rain. The wine is bright in acidity and the fruit flavors are concentrated.
I am trying to develop some growers on the island and I have had a fair amount of interest but I think most people want me to plant the vineyard for them but I just haven’t had that kind of time.
Art helped plant one vineyard on Maury Island and that should complement the Monument Rd. vineyard. Both are Pinot Noir.
It is now the end of July. I watch the apples on my tree at home…..they are growing quickly this year. The apples are kind of like an hourglass; I can feel time ticking with their growth. Soon it will be time to harvest. It seems to happen so quickly. I’m not sure how much wine I will make this year.
I’m still trying to pay off the grapes that I bought last year.
Today, I was just thinking how difficult it is being a producer. It is totally different when you are a retailer.
As a producer you have to make the wine….no one else is making it for you. And you can’t screw up. It is nerve-wracking but I love it. Well, I don’t love it……I appreciate it.
I am kind of making it. I raised my prices last year just a couple of dollars. It was kind of scary because I was going from the magic $20. price to something higher (to $22). Doesn’t seem like much but it definitely hurt my sales slightly but now I am actually keeping some of my dollars. Before I was losing money.
I am not trying to make a great wine; just a very good wine; a wine that is reaonably priced and expressive. So often making a great wine also means making a fashionable wines. I leave that to others.
That’s all!
