Well, let me tell you, a couple of weeks ago it was kind of a heavenly hell.
I finally got the call that my grapes were ready to be picked.
I buy all of my (Eastern Washington) grapes now from Upland Vineyards in
Sunnyside on Snipes Mountain (also one of the newest AVAs).
I’ve lost track of time but I think I picked up two tons of grapes (one ton
each of Cabernet Franc and Grenache) on Monday, crushed them on Tuesday,
picked up two tons of Merlot, crushed them on Thursday, picked up a ton of
Cabernet Sauvignon on Friday, crushed on Saturday……then a reprieve until
this last week when I crushed a ton each of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.
I am especially excited about the Grenache and the Syrah and hope to do a
bit of blending.
Harvest is definitely early this year. We are seeing, in general, higher
sugars but also higher acids, suggesting that the grapes are a bit premature
in their ripening.
I think that after the malo-lactic takes place my wines will be in pretty
good balance. I am excited about the potential.
Shana, who works for me, is in charge of her first wine this year. I hope to
offer help when she needs it but basically let her call the shots on the Rex
Cabernet Sauvignon from his Walla Walla vineyard, dry-farmed and organic.
Right now I am waiting on the Pinot Noir and with good weather this next
week we may be close to harvest.
One last thought: CiderFest happens on October 10, Saturday at the Village
Green. Ten cideries will be pouring about 16 different ciders from 3-6. Also
included are family events based on the harvest, apple identification, how
to seminars, concluding with a Barn Dance at the O Space from 7-10pm.
