Blogs

March, 2018

From the Ground Up
After a warm winter, March has come in with more than three weeks of freezing night time temperatures. We can be thankful that none of our buds have pushed. Otherwise, we would have some serious problems.
read more…
Louis Lucas walking in the vineyard

February, 2018

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

We have been suffering from spring in January and we have reached the point of concern. This warm weather could hasten bud break before the danger of frost is behind us.

read more…
Royce Lewellen and Louis Lucas checking out grapevines

January, 2018

From the Ground Up
Happy New Year! It is time to start all over again. Vintage 2017 will be another exceptional vintage.
read more…
Louis Lucas giving an interview in the vineyard

December, 2017

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

The harvest is over, as well as the Harvest Party! It is time to begin all over again in the vineyard. Our Italian grape harvest went well with cooperation from the weather after the smoke from wildfires and a freak rainstorm.

read more…
Louis Lucas in the vineyard

November, 2017

From the Ground Up
Just one more day and Harvest 2017 is over. To sum it up, crop was average in size. Quality of the grapes was exceptional, especially in Pinot Noir and Cabernet.
read more…
Ian Fainer and Louis Lucas at a Vineyard Tour

October, 2017

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

We are nearly 75% of the way through harvest. So far, we’ve only had an inch of rain, two heat waves, two fires, and a near frost. Thankfully, the weather was good before and after each of those events so, believe it or not, everything is looking good in the vineyard.

read more…
A photo of Louis Lucas

September, 2017

From the Ground Up
Well, today we had the Blessing of the Grapes. We should have had it last week when we really needed it! Father John did a good job spreading holy water on a bin of Sauvignon Blanc from Valley View.
read more…
Louis Lucas pointing in the vineyard

August, 2017

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

It’s now the middle of summer. We are experiencing a couple of warm sultry days reaching near 100°F. The grapes are progressing a little bit faster than we expected

read more…
Louis Lucas at a picnic

July, 2017

From the Ground Up
This year’s first berry finds are slightly larger than usual. Those good winter rains cleansed the soil and put a small reservoir of water below the water table, improving growing conditions.
read more…
Louis Lucas in the vineyard

June, 2017

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

My first observation of the crop is that we do have an ample supply of grapes, not too many but we’re not in short supply either. The next time of most concern is when grapes begin to flower and there we’re hopeful for some warm days and plentiful sun.

read more…
A photo of chateau de beaucastle

Pages