July, 2023

From the Ground Up

Over the years, you have heard me mention the weather almost constantly. Well, here is some more. After a winter filled with rain and a cooler spring than normal (June gloom), it has warmed up, and hopefully, we are headed for something close to normal.

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May, 2023

From the Ground Up

I returned to a wide-awake vineyard that is not hurting for water. This could be one of the most interesting growing seasons ever. Good or bad, I’ll blame it on the weather.

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Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards Cabernet Franc bottle image

The wine has a smooth body and firm structure with flavors suggesting warm earth, dark chocolate and sage

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$32.00
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Fact Sheet Reviews

July, 2022

From the Ground Up

The crop this year looks to be normal in size. What is normal anyway?

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Lucas & Lewellen Five+One Cabernet Sauvignon bottle

Layers of blackberry and fig jam notes with silky tannins and a long finish are hallmarks of this exciting new release.

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$42.00
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Fact Sheet Reviews

May, 2021

From the Ground Up

April showers bring May flowers, but where are the showers? Last year we had seven inches of rain in April. This year we had none in March or April and it doesn’t look like we have any more coming. Grapes are not big users of water but they do need it.

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Louis Lucas with his dog Novi at Valley View Vineyard

March, 2021

From the Ground Up

The most important task that we do in the vineyard is pruning. This morning I was driving my 2004 Ford F-150, “The Dustmobile”, through two rows of grapevines, admiring the pruning job. What we do in January and February determines what kind of grapes we get in September and October

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Louis Lucas with his dog Novi at Valley View Vineyard

July, 2020

From the Ground Up

The vines are not affected by what is going on in the world so we keep busy every day caring for them.

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Louis Lucas and winemaker Megan McGrath Gates at a harvest years ago when they did not have to wear masks!

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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July, 2018

From the Ground Up
Today we are experiencing the first truly hot day of the year. At Valley View, it peaked at 106°F for a few minutes To me, the vines are a little behind schedule although, with warmer weather, we might catch up. Right now, we are expecting harvest to be late August to the first of September.
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The Valley View Vineyard scene

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