We are in the process of completing the earliest harvest in my 55 years of growing grapes here. As you know, I always blame the weather. No question that early rains and no frost made for little dormancy. When we were finishing pruning, we actually had some vines already budding out. It has made for a harvest with some varieties ready at different times, some earlier, some later. But the quality of grapes has been good. I would say that the crop size is a little on the low side but again, it varies by variety. Cabernet is on the heavy side and Pinot Noir and Pinot Grigio on the lighter side. The last three Italian varieties to pick this October are Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, and Dolcetto. Looking forward to some time off between now and the holidays. Let the vineyards rest.

2023 Malvasia Bianca Secco: A very fruity grape made in a drier style. The Malvasia Bianca grape falls somewhere between Riesling and Muscat with many flavors, perfumy with flowers and fruit. Very few people grow the variety. It was brought to my attention many years ago by a great winemaker at Beringer. It is quite enjoyable and refreshing. Of course, serve chilled.

2021 Nebbiolo: The last vines to pick and the first vines to break bud in the spring. That’s an unusual feat. The premier Italian grape with the great ones coming from Piemonte. Interesting variety to grow. The first few buds on the shoot are sterile with no fruit. You can’t go beyond nine buds or you get too much fruit. Bunches are rather large and take a long time to ripen. Makes a big bold tannic wine without a lot of color. It’s really worth developing a taste for this one. Of course it goes great with Italian food. Almost non-existent in California.

2020 Sangiovese: Grown by the mile all over Italy, but varies according to the weather. Tuscany is the home of the Brunello clone, the right vine to grow. Not a purple-red but warm terracotta in color. The Italians created Super Tuscans, often blending Cabernet Sauvignon with Sangiovese. Makes a good rosé. A little fruit forward. You can be a volume drinker when having it with food - it’s wash down wine! In December you will get to try the Toccata Riserva, our answer to the Super Tuscan.

I need all of you to buy at least a pick-up truckload of wine! Times are challenging for the grape business, especially the wine grape business. With Thanksgiving not too far away, we wish you all happiness. Be thankful for all of God’s gifts.