Sound the Trumpets! We've set a pick date for Godspeed! Weather permitting, it looks like we'll get grapes on Thursday. This vineyard sits approximately 1500 feet above sea level near the top of Mount Veeder. The 22-acre site features steep slopes, weak soils and excellent sun exposure to create small, intense berries with lots of mountain tannins. The vines are mostly clone 8 (with some 338), planted on 110R and healthy (non-phylloxera) AXR-1. To manage the tannins, we remove less ripe fruit and tend to let it hang a bit longer. The result should be massive, structured and intense fruit-driven wines that will be among the longest lived that we make.
I've scheduled 2 separate sort times for Thursday. When responding to my email, please list your preference in a 1 or 2 order for which sorting session you would like to help with. If all goes according to plan, we'll be sorting the grapes at 7:30pm and 8:30pm. I'll definitely, get you into 1 sorting session and depending on the number of participants, you may be able to help out in both. Space is limited so respond quickly.
Continue to check your inbox frequently as I'll be sending out information for the Young-Inglewood pick tomorrow morning PST.
REMEMBER
Grapes are sticky and stain. As I've mentioned before, the work is extremely dirty. However, if you don't mind wine splashed clothing, you'll have a blast.
WHAT TO BRING
The funkiest clothing you own and a camera. Many folks also love to bring a bottle or some light bites to share. I'll set up a couple tables so Vayniacs can hang out before, during, after the sort to meet, sip and snack. The Wine House (winesf.com) and K and L (KLWines.com) are just a short drive away. Feel free to coordinate snack/bottle bringing in the forums.
VIDEO
This year, we're capturing video of groups working on the wine. We'll upload this video to our Vayniac Nation group in Crushnet, so the experience can be shared with family and friends. This means, we'll be hovering around with a video camera. If it makes you feel uncomfortable, simply let us know.
If you can't make it to Crushpad, please cheer us on by using via the live Crushpad Web cameras. They'll be able to click on the Sort Cam link at http://www.crushnet.com/medias
CRUSHPAD
2573 Third Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
Let's make some wine!!!
RSVP-ASAP!
Stu
