The growing season for the 2022 vintage (March through September) came in with a freeze and went out with a heat wave. It was a challenging season where we lost over 60% of our crop due to the spring freeze. The only vintage that made it to harvest was our Zinfandel. And it was gallant in its efforts! And so were the harvesters. As in much of California the harvest came in early during a heat wave throughout the state. We are so grateful for the harvesters who gathered in community Labor Day Weekend. Please view the harvest story in photos below. We all await the rich intensity that will come from these grapes.
The grapes were ready early dawn on Sunday of Labor Day Weekend. The group of hardy harvesters were ready to cut the tasty grapes from their vines. The early morning start allowed for cooler harvesting for grapes and harvesters. As cut by cut each bunch was harvested. The group came together as community. Each person touching the land and sharing joy and hope. Brendan nourished us with tasty treats. and we continued harvesting
until we weredone. The harvest buckets lined up were carried by father and son to fill the bins. A harvest festival was enjoyed by all. With locally grown corn. and homemade desserts. Irene visited us from Mexico and taught us about saving local corn varieties there. The heat of the sun moved west. To reveal a magical night sky. The harvest is in. The grapes crushed. The fermenting juice awaits its time to be fine wine. Thank you harvesters!