People say grapevines are "weeds" but my experience has been mixed. Many of my young transplants have struggled to gain a foothold. Quite the opposite result with this LaBelle vine that I transplanted as a mature plant. Between that success and the first blooms from my Drouhin Zephirine
#ThingsIFoundInTheVineyard I'm going to continue cataloging the various species I find in the vineyard. First because I like to learn all their names and second, I like to know all the things that can survive in a spray-free vineyard.
Style: Plain red, minimal American oak chips during fermentation. Varietal: Sangiovese 85%, Leon Millot 15% Grape Source: Paradisos del Sol Zillah, WA and Woodland WA, respectively. Both vineyards operated with no fungicide sprays. pH 3.35 Drink from fall 2026 to 2031
Looks like Leon Millot is the earliest flowering vine I have. It's been blooming for a week now. LaBelle just started today. It makes sense, they are two of the earliest to complete ripening. Cayuga White and the Muscats won't be far behind.
This was a shocker. May 29th we had frost that destroyed tender shoots that were 12 inches or below in the lower 2/3rds of the vineyard. Everything above that height was completely unaffected. Most of our vines are tall enough to have dodged this frost. Simultaneously I am getting
Recent rain gave these two LaBelle vines what they need to climb up tall bamboo poles. The long tendrils indicate plentiful water is available to the vine. There's real vigor in these plants. Daisy and Lupine are just now blooming underneath the vines. It looks "neglected"
This is the wine I served at my son's graduation party. I selected it for that event because it is a crowd pleaser. A fresh, fruity, aromatic wine, low in tannins; perfect for a group including casual to experienced wine drinkers. Also, salmon was featured on the menu
The vines are really popping now. There's something thrilling about each glossy new leaf. I just had a great experience sharing Maréchal Foch rosé with a group of people who resoundingly agreed with my assessment that the wine was exceptional. This boosts my conviction that we're
I heard and then felt this heavy bug fly onto my back as I was walking up the driveway yesterday. Last year another species of jewel beetle landed on my hat in the same fashion. I take immense pleasure in living side by side with the widest variety of native
First, thank you to all who came to visit us at the vineyard this weekend, your interest is the lifeblood of the farm/winery! I was charmed by so many things, the eco-conscious children, the excitable puppies and the enthusiasm for our "*cide-free" farm and vineyard.
Riddy Arman's most recent album isn't exactly new, but I guess under appreciated. Her themes just what I love, clear-eyed about the ways of the world and yet creating beauty from it. And her voice is solid and balanced, it has world class power and
It's helpful to know how high a deer can feed. Above that point you can let your vines grow free of cages. I'm on the tall side for a human, so "the deer zone" ends near the top of my shirt pocket. Of course