Sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know about what's happening in the vineyards, Affairs of the Vine events, and receive our newsletter directly. Click here to sign up.
Dear Wine Lover,
As I look out my window this morning, it's hard to believe that so many of us in Northern California wine country worried about this year's grapes. The sun is shining, the sky is a light shade of cerulean blue that seems almost unreal, much like the skies I colored with crayons back when I was a child, the leaves are green, the grasses have not turned to golden straw as yet, the red-shouldered hawk that lives in our backyard is perched in his usual spot on a branch in the redwood tree I see out my bedroom window, and all seems right with the world.
By the beginning of April, I was either going to move to Seattle for some sunny weather or find a good carpenter, lots of wood and nails for the ark. It rained 26 out of 31 days in March and what storms they were! Cold storms, out of the north whipping along the jet stream straight from the Artic were dumping lots of rain and cold temperatures, brrrr. By the first of May, most of Northern California had record or near record rainfalls; 65 inches in the Dry Creek, Russian River & Alexander Valleys, and 110 inches on the Sonoma Coast. Many of us were taking bets on how many tractors would be planted in the fields this year. The winegrowing regions of the Central Coast had a normal rainy season.
| I spoke with several winegrowers, viticulturists and winemakers about how the vineyards are shaping up. |  |
Vineyard work was delayed about a month due to the rains. The crews couldn't get into the muddy vineyards - disking, mowing, green pruning, mildew control, etc couldn't be completed in March. All of the work still needed to be done but it had to be completed in a more compressed time frame.
The rains had an effect on the ability of the vines to take the nutrients from the soil - the roots were anaerobic (without air) because they were drowning in all of the water in the vineyards. Fewer nutrients make for a fragile canopy creating more chances for mildew. This could also affect quantities due to reduced photosynthesis - great work will have to de done in the vineyards to balance the problems. This will probably turn out to be a lower than average yield for cold climate grapes as was 2005. Due to the late bud break, and lighter canopies, ripening may be an issue - growers may need to drop fruit to ensure ripening.
This will be a challenging year for grape growers, especially those who grow grapes on the Extreme Sonoma Coast. This vintage will be good for those who pay meticulous attention to their vineyards, the great growers will stand out.
Bud break was 1½ to two weeks later than 2005. Rain from 2005 has had an effect on the cluster location (higher up on the vines) and quantity (lowered) in the 2006 crop.
The cold, rainy spring has little effect on this year's crop but the vine's programming (transmitted via hormones) notes the delayed bud break, bloom, etc. and plans for a shorter growing season the following year and reduces the crop load. This can be seen in fewer clusters and/or smaller bunches. It's the plant's defense mechanism to ensure that it can ripen what it sets. Conversely, a warm, early spring could produce a heavier crop set the following year.
Theoretically we should have fewer buds and when they ripen we may see
smaller cluster weights, all equating to a lower yield this year. But just when
you think you have Mother Nature figured
out . . .
With a second wet, cool spring (this year) we could see a low yield in 2007 as well.
The weather is really good right now! My problem: I wish my vineyard was blooming right now! These days in the low 80's, a bit of a breeze, nights down into the 50's are very nice bloom weather.
I sprayed about 20 acres yesterday (wettable sulfur) and could only see a hint of bloom. Cabernet-2%, Grenache-0%, Zinfandel-2%, Syrah-5%. I know my Sangiovese is at about 30% so at least something is doing well. My luck is when we're hitting full bloom it'll heat up to the high 90's!
It just isn't right if I don't have a weather rant once in a while!
Bloom, we were 3 to 4 weeks behind in Cambria and Santa Maria. Yields will be very low for us this year. Probably just under 1 1/2 tons per acre in both locations.
Flowered yesterday June 5...too soon to know about set, etc
So as usual with winegrowing, it's wait and see and keep your fingers crossed. After all, it's all about farming.
Thanks to all of you who sent your congratulations and good wishes on Eric & Cari's nuptials. The wedding was magical!
Send Dad to Camp for |
 |
There's still time to give him a dream come true for Father's Day.
After all that your dad has done for you...coaching your team, teaching you to drive, always being there for you...forget the tie, polo shirt or Home Depot electric drill this year. Give him his dream to be a winemaker for a day... www.winebootcamp.com
Purchase your gift certificate online by Sunday 7 AM PDT, June 18 and we
will deliver your gift certificate to you via email by noon on Father's Day.
Select a specific Wine Boot Camp experience or let your Dad choose.
| Want to join your dad for this incredible experience? One lucky person gifting their dad this week will win a Wine Boot Camp® experience for just being a good kid. The winner will be selected from all gift certificates purchased between June 11, 2006 and June 18, 2006. |  |
Wine Boot Camp® is the ultimate fantasy experience for wine lovers.
Wine novices and experts experience firsthand the joys and frustrations of winemaking. Wine lovers have the opportunity to work hands-on in the vineyard and the cellar under the tutelage of top winemakers and viticulturists. Wine workshops and tastings of outstanding wines are an integral part of the program.
Conducted by AFFAIRS of the VINE, Wine Boot Camp® is a challenge to the senses, awareness, and understanding of fine wines. Upon completion of basic training, recruits' marksmanship in the field of fine wines will be right on target.
An intensive, highly enjoyable one-day training program, Wine Boot Camp® provides the experience and knowledge needed to become totally confident in the understanding and appreciation of fine wine. Business associates and friends will marvel at the leadership of "Camp" graduates as they storm the wine lists of America and the world.
Some of the missions that may be included in Wine Boot Camp® include:
 |
|
Wine Boot Camp®, an interactive experience can be attended by raw recruits and wine generals alike. This exclusive Affairs of the Vine
Program is offered as an open course or can be tailored as a special event or team building experience.
Wine Boot Camp® Mission Sites include the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Sierra Foothills, Santa Barbara County, Temecula and Monterey County.
WINE BOOT Camp® includes all seminars and educational materials, lunch in the vineyard, dinner paired with appropriate wines, extensive wine tasting, a bottle of wine created by the recruit, transportation to all food and wine events, and an "I Survived Wine Boot Camp® " T-shirt.
For additional information, contact Major Drady at 707-874 -1975 or camp@affairsofthevine.com
2006 Wine Boot Camp® schedule:
| August 5 | Napa Valley Wine Boot Camp® Vineyard Mission Site: Swanson Vineyards www.swansonvineyards.com Winery Mission Site: Sequoia Grove Winery www.sequoiagrove.com Enlistment is $425 per person plus tax. Click here to purchase |
| August 19 | Santa Barbara County Wine Boot Camp® Vineyard Mission Site: Buttonwood Farm Winery & Vineyard www.buttonwoodwinery.com Winery Mission Site: Sunstone Vineyards & Winery www.sunstonewinery.com Co-Host: Dave Chambers SidewaysWineClub.com SOLD OUT! |
| September 20 - 22 | NEW! JUST ADDED! OUR FIRST EVER OVERNIGHT WINE BOOT CAMP® Temecula Wine Boot Camp® Tucked in the heart of Temecula's Wine Country, enjoy great wine, sumptuous food and an incredible hands-on winery experience. Vineyard Mission Site: Wild Horse Peak Mountain The all-inclusive package turns this ultimate fantasy into reality at just $900 per person/single occupancy or $1,500 for two/double occupancy. If you don’t need luxury overnight accommodations, you can still take advantage of Wine Boot Camp®, South Coast Winery Style, at a rate of $600. Availability is limited, so enlist today at South Coast Winery. |
| September 30 | Sonoma County Harvest Wine Boot Camp® Vineyard Mission Site: Peterson Winery www.petersonwinery.com Winery Mission Site: Paradise Ridge Winery www.prwinery.com Enlistment is $425 per person plus tax. Click here to purchase |
| October 7 | Monterey County Harvest Wine Boot Camp® Enlistment is $425 per person plus tax. Click here to purchase |
To enlist in WINE BOOT CAMP® contact Major Drady at camp@affairsofthevine.com or 707-874-1975. Enlist Today!!!
Affairs of the Vine's exclusive Wine Boot Camp® 2006 program can be scheduled as a "private" affair. Call Major Drady today at 707-874-1975 to discuss your group's particular team-building or special event.
Are wine descriptions and wine preferences gender based? Check out the results from our Pinot Noir Shootout and see how our male and female panelists rate and describe the 247 Pinot Noirs we tasted in our 4th Annual Pinot Noir Shootout.
What could be better than working together as a team blending wine?
Team building & corporate events in Wine Country or let us bring Wine Country to you.
Seeking a unique team building activity? Affairs of the Vine workshops educate, engage and entertain! Affairs of the Vine's expert and congenial staff educate without intimidation. Affairs of the Vine is prepared to exceed expectations while assisting you in producing a flawless program.
Call Affairs of the Vine at 707-874-1975 to discuss your team building, event or meeting planning needs today.
Read reviews but remember it's your palate that counts. Find a wine critic who likes wines that you like. Don't feel that you have to embrace the wines that wine critics praise. Don't be intimidated! If a movie critic gives a film five stars, do you feel that you're unsophisticated if you don't like it too? Wine is no different. Personal preference is what counts. So drink and enjoy what you like. At Affairs of the Vine we say, "If you like the way it looks and you like the way it smells and you like the way it tastes...its good wine. So use our recommendations as a guide but you are the authority of what provides "Love at First Sip" for you.
Kimberly Moreland of Chicago, Illinois. Kimberly is a fellow Pinot Noir lover. A case of incredible wines will be sent to you. Please contact us to verify the delivery information.
Thanks to all of you who responded to our survey. Winners are drawn from all respondents.
The words on a wine label tell us something about what to expect from the wine inside. What words are most meaningful and what words communicate quality?
This survey is an effort to answer those questions. Your participation will help winemakers to better understand what consumers are looking for on wine labels and what words they value most.
Please follow the link to participate. It takes about 5 minutes. Take the Survey
Everyone who participates is eligible for a copy of The Good Life Guide to Enjoying Wine and a copy of WineSmarts. 10 participants will be selected at random to win both the book and the game. To be eligible, surveys must be completed by Sunday, June 18th.
When you're finished with the survey, just click on the email link below and email with the words 'survey done' in the subject line, and you'll be entered into the drawing.
rayjohnsononwine@att.net
Cheers!
Barbara Drady
Wine Lover
Send your comments to winelover@affairsofthevine.com. We'll share your thoughts in the next newsletter.
Sign up for the Affairs of the Vine newsletter:
*Required