We’ve been enjoying a cool summer. August is a time of change. Those little green berries start to color and turn soft as they head towards maturity, which means picking time in the vineyards is near. I think we should start picking around the first week of September, pretty close to normal. The new crop looks to be quite normal in size and will be affected by the cool spring and summer. Early August brought a forecast of 96 degrees, so the cool spell may be behind us for now.

So far everything has been pretty much normal, except the wine industry is going through many challenges, and it’s worldwide.

2023 Pinot Grigio: A few months ago, in the newsletter, I expounded on how good I thought our Chenin Blanc is. Little did I know it would win “Best Wine” of the entire Central Coast Wine Competition. This Pinot Grigio is of the same quality as that wine. Flavor, mouthfeel, taste, and aromas - this wine has it all. We are one of the few coastal wineries that grow Pinot Grigio. Not only do we grow it, but we grow it in the right climate and soil, and with great care. Can I give you some advice? Don’t overlook this wine.

2024 Sangiovese Fresco: A pleasant surprise! I have tasted a few wines made this way using carbonic maceration and never was that impressed, but this one not only is good, it is special. It has soft tannins and a bright energetic approach. Lower in alcohol and with a freshness, light-bodied, and almost juicy, complex - far from simple. Can be served chilled.

Freisa: A must with Italian food. I had an Italian uncle whose last name was Sandrini. He was all country, a macho man, bold and with an iron fist. He rode bulls occasionally for fun! We bought him a longhorn bull for Christmas one year. It was a great bull. After a few years, the Texans wanted to buy that bull back. Uncle Lest was the true Italian cowboy. This wine makes me think of him. How’s that for a description of wine? It reminds me of the old world - that’s Italian!

Hope to see you when we bless the new grapes at our Harvest Party later this month, or on the Vineyard Tour next month when we will taste the grapes still hanging on the vines along with the wines we make from them. If you get thirsty, call us.