The past couple of weeks have been activity-filled and slowing down or catching up on sleep are all unlikely.  Aside from Winemaking, one of my 'other' professions/passions is leatherwork and with two shows back-to-back, it is busy!  These shows, in addition to the Family Winemakers event in San Francisco and finalizing bottling for a couple of clients, will lead me into Harvest 2009.

This week (and next) I will be spending a lot of time looking closely at vineyards in prep for harvest.  So far, Anderson Valley vineyards are looking good with an “average” crop set and no fires in the area the year.  The only remaining worry from these vineyards is residual “smoke taint” in the soil from last year's fires.

The Sonoma County vineyards are generally looking good, although, this year may see us picking Pinot Noir well before the Sauvignon Blanc off comparable sites - a less common occurrence but this is what makes mother nature and science part friend, part foe.

Harvest 2009 is almost upon us - stay tuned for harvest updates.

I spent last Friday afternoon looking at vineyards, from which I am sourcing fruit. The one I was working in, Marshall, looks good with lighter crop load than last year’s.  The second vineyard, Devoto, is in 3rd leaf and I will get a max of 1T off of it this year.  Stan is doing a good job of vineyard management, on top of growing “vintage” apples and has several interesting clones in the ground. Looking forward to working with his fruit in coming years. The last vineyard suffers from being planted meter by meter and has significant mildew pressure. Fortunately, we caught it early and can probably catch the mildew before it becomes a real problem and I haven’t committed to it yet.

I have an in store tasting to pour at this weekend where I'll be pouring Zin.  And, I've finally lined up staff for Family Winemakers of California on August 23rd and 24th at Fort Mason in SF - also busy but good exposure.  Also getting ready for ACC Craft Show in San Francisco, where I’ll be selling my leatherwork as well as having Todd and David pour and sell Calstar Cellars wines.  Doing the Tiburon Arts Festival the following week. 

Personally, I am continuing to make time for bike rides weekly (at least one) and getting a little time for gardening.  Looking forward to a couple of meals out at favorite restaurants this weekend and a short vacation the week after Labor Day.

This is wine country living!