April, 2020

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Spring is almost here. We finished pruning the vines by the middle of last month just in time for the March miracle of seven inches of rain.

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Louis Lucas standing at Valley View Vineyard

May, 2020

From the Ground Up

Somebody said times have changed but the vineyards have not noticed. They are hard at work producing good fruit, like they always have been.

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A collage of images of dogs and wine shared by Lucas & Lewellen wine fans

February, 2020

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

 It is already February and all of the Italian variety vines have been pruned except Nebbiolo. We prune the Nebbiolo last because it breaks bud and comes out early and is very susceptible to frost. Late pruning delays the bud push. 

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An image of Dirtman Louis Lucas giving a grapevine pruning lesson at Valley View Vineyard

December, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Amen to harvest. In mid-December, the cycle starts all over again with pruning of the vines which lasts until the middle of March. I have had a chance to observe and taste some of the new wines and it looks like 2019 will be an exceptional year. 

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The Toccata Tasting Room storefront at the holidays with a Christmas Tree

October, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

It is harvest time. We are about 3 or 4 weeks into the harvest. So far, everything has been going well with just a few bumps.

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An image of the beloved dog of winemaker Megan McGrath Gates at harvest time with grape bin

March, 2020

From the Ground Up
After beautiful December rains, we had a winter drought in January and February, but our forecast for the middle of March looks good. We should be finished pruning by then - one of the more important jobs that we do.
 
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Louis Lucas with a gift that he purchased in Wickenburg, Arizona

January, 2020

From the Ground Up

This will be the 50th year since I planted my first vine in Santa Barbara County. Growing grapes hasn’t changed too much since then but each year’s experience has added to a better understanding of the needs of each region. Weather, soil, and care still dictates what kind of grapes we grow, and ultimately what kind of wine we make. 

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Image of Louis Lucas in the Tasting Room near opening day

November, 2019

From the Ground Up

We have just reached the midpoint in our harvest. The grapes, winery, vineyard, and owners have survived so far. The new wines that I have seen look really good. 

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Image of Louis Lucas walking in the vineyard

September, 2019

From the Ground Up

It has been a cool summer with sporadic heat and  morning fog. We don’t usually see fog past June but this year has been different. As a result, the crop is late by about 10 days. 

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First Crush at Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards - image of winemaker, owners, and Father John Finley blessing the grapes

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