Blogs

March, 2014

From the Ground Up
We finished pruning last week,  about three weeks ahead of schedule.  This was necessary because of the warm winter that we have been experiencing, so warm that bud break has already begun.
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Pruning a Row with the Dirtman 2014

February, 2014

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman
This is the 10 Year Anniversary of the Toccata Tasting Room.  We have special plans on March 8th.  With 10 being the magic number, we will have some 10 dollar wine specials on various wines, like the 2010 Classico we’re adding to your shipment this month.  Interest in our Italian wines has grown.  No longer unknown, they’re making their mark both in our Tasting Room and in the marketplace. 
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January, 2014

From the Ground Up
I’m only starting my 44th year of growing grapes in Santa Barbara County.  I am more excited today than I was back then!
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A photo of Louis and Jill Lucas

December, 2013

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman
In my 40 some years growing grapes in Santa Barbara County, I haven’t seen two back-to-back years that reached this level in volume and quality.  I credit the weather and also the condition of our vineyards.  When Mother Nature leaves you alone during harvest, and you’re able to pick almost everything at optimum, it’s something special.  
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Toccata at Christmas. Photo by Lucinda Williams

November, 2013

From the Ground Up
Harvest 2013 is over!  For the first time in 42 years, we had large crops back to back and outstanding weather that enabled us to pick our grapes at optimum levels of maturity.  2012 and 2013 will be superior vintage years.
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Mike and Royce Lewellen with Louis Lucas in the vineyard

October, 2013

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman
With today’s picking, we are starting on the second half of harvest 2013.  We farmers always talk about the weather.  It is THE controlling factor in many cases and this year is no different.  With little rain since December, a nice spring, good summer, and a few heat spikes, the crop is almost is large as last year’s bumper crop of 2012. 
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Grapes hanging in the vineyard

September, 2013

From the Ground Up
Harvest 2013 started a few days ago with the picking of a little Pinot Noir and Chardonnay for Sparkling Wine.  The past few days, we’ve been picking Valley View Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Grigio in Los Alamos.  There are many variables in each year’s harvest and the most difficult thing is having the patience to wait until a grape is at the point of perfection.  
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Louis Lucas

August, 2013

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

It can’t be August!  Harvest is just a few weeks away.  We farmers always have to talk about the weather.  The summer has been very positive for growing conditions

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The Dirtman dances with his daughter at the Wine Club Summer BBQ

July, 2013

From the Ground Up

I had a little reservation about the weather when preparing for our annual wine cruise but was pleasantly surprised that the storms either stayed ahead or lagged behind us.  

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Louis Lucas and Jill Lucas on the 2013 Wine Cruise to Canada

June, 2013

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman
In the meantime, the grapes are pushing towards another harvest.  Believe it or not, it happens every year.  At this point in time, it looks like a normal sized crop.  
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A photo of Louis and Royce laughing

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