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August, 2020

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

I cannot believe that we are 30-40 days from harvest! The birds are circling, waiting for a few more degrees of sugar.

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Louis Lucas outside the brand new Toccata Tasting Room

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

February, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Well, that rain I talked about in your last newsletter showed up! In a short period of time, we are at over 11 inches of rain for the season, or 156% of the year to date average.

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August, 2018

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

The grape crop is behind in our area and all over the state, around 15-25 days behind schedule. A very cool spring can be blamed. Our recent weather has been on the warmer side but not enough to catch up. Our Italian grapes are progressing well. 

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Dirtman Louis Lucas - a photo

February, 2018

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

We have been suffering from spring in January and we have reached the point of concern. This warm weather could hasten bud break before the danger of frost is behind us.

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Royce Lewellen and Louis Lucas checking out grapevines

December, 2017

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

The harvest is over, as well as the Harvest Party! It is time to begin all over again in the vineyard. Our Italian grape harvest went well with cooperation from the weather after the smoke from wildfires and a freak rainstorm.

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Louis Lucas in the vineyard

December, 2014

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

The harvest and harvest party are over.  I guess it’s time to be looking forward to my 45th year of growing grapes in Santa Barbara County.  It seems like just yesterday that this adventure began.  I can’t let this past harvest go unnoticed, for it’s now three years in a row that we’ve had ideal growing conditions.

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Toccata Tasting Room at Christmas

October, 2014

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

About four days of harvest to go!  We have about 100 tons to pick, mostly Cabernet, Nebbiolo, Petit Verdot, and our small lot of Freisa.  This will be one of the earliest harvests I have experienced in the last 44 years for a variety of reasons, none of which are bad.  Our Harvest Party is planned to be right after harvest but this year, it will be four weeks later, which is also ok.  We have a great deal of time to get things ready for all of you attending.  

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A picture of the hard working vineyard crew at harvest

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.  
read more…
Toccata at Christmas.  Photo by Lucinda Williams
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Tasting Rooms

OPEN FOR WINE SALES AND MEMBER PICK-UPS ONLY

Lucas & Lewellen: ph 805-686-9336

Toccata: ph 805-686-5506

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