Blogs

October, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

It is harvest time. We are about 3 or 4 weeks into the harvest. So far, everything has been going well with just a few bumps.

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An image of the beloved dog of winemaker Megan McGrath Gates at harvest time with grape bin

September, 2019

From the Ground Up

It has been a cool summer with sporadic heat and  morning fog. We don’t usually see fog past June but this year has been different. As a result, the crop is late by about 10 days. 

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First Crush at Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards - image of winemaker, owners, and Father John Finley blessing the grapes

August, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

When it comes to growing a crop, the most influential factor for the grower is putting up with the weather. This has been a good year weather wise.

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Louis on the cover of American Vineyard Magazine

July, 2019

From the Ground Up

Sixty days until harvest. It seems like yesterday that we were pruning and being thankful for the terrific rains that we had. The vines this year are a little larger than normal thanks to the wet winter. 

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A photo of our dear friend David Johannsen - rest in peace

June, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

This has been a cold, wet spring but we avoided frost on the new growth. Now we are hoping for some heat and no more rain. The grapes are trying to bloom and they are dragging behind, which could make for problems later. 

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The America Cruise Lines Wine Cruise to the Pacific Northwest - a photo of the ship

May, 2019

From the Ground Up

Spring is definitely upon us. Today is probably the warmest day of the year so far with temperatures in the upper 80’s. The vines are reaching for the sky thanks to the abundant rain and perfect growing weather.

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April, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

We are just completing our yearly task of pruning the vines. One of the grapes that we prune nearly last is Nebbiolo. It loves to come out early so by pruning late, we delay budbreak by a couple of weeks to hopefully carry it past the frost season.

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March, 2019

From the Ground Up

This year’s high amount of rain has been great for the vineyard. It helps cleanse the soils and gives us reserve water for irrigation.

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February, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Well, that rain I talked about in your last newsletter showed up! In a short period of time, we are at over 11 inches of rain for the season, or 156% of the year to date average.

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January, 2019

From the Ground Up
The weather has been great. Grapes have been slow to ripen. Crop size is normal in some varieties and to the heavy side in other varieties.
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