Blogs

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Blogs

February, 2014

January, 2014

December, 2013

November, 2013

October, 2013

September, 2013

August, 2013

July, 2013

June, 2013

May, 2013

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