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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

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
2015 Toccata Classico

2016 Toccata Classico

This Classico embodies characteristics of red and black fruit, black cherry, smoky leather, earth and spice

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$29.00
$23.20

Wine Club Price

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Fact Sheet Reviews

June, 2019

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

This has been a cold, wet spring but we avoided frost on the new growth. Now we are hoping for some heat and no more rain. The grapes are trying to bloom and they are dragging behind, which could make for problems later. 

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The America Cruise Lines Wine Cruise to the Pacific Northwest - a photo of the ship

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

June, 2017

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

My first observation of the crop is that we do have an ample supply of grapes, not too many but we’re not in short supply either. The next time of most concern is when grapes begin to flower and there we’re hopeful for some warm days and plentiful sun.

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A photo of chateau de beaucastle

June, 2016

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

Grapevines are growing faster than we can get the work done. The growth of our vines has already exceded last year’s full growth and we still have 60 days until harvest. Farming is controlled by Mother Nature.

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The Valley View Vineyard outlook

June, 2014

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman

As always, I blame Mother Nature!  A very short winter followed by a warm spring puts us about three weeks ahead of schedule.  Most of the varieties look very good.  Unusual heat hurt the fruit set in some of our Sangiovese and Syrah, but overall I am very pleased at this point.  Harvest in 80 days.

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A photo of grapes at harvest

April, 2014

Toccata - A Little Bit of Dust from the Dirtman
Last year’s 2013 vintage looks to be one of the better vintages.  The wines are showing much promise.  It always helps to have perfect growing and weather conditions during harvest.  Varieties like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Sangiovese, which cannot tolerate wet weather, were picked at optimal levels thanks to the beautiful fall.  Next year we will get our first chance to visit this vintage.
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Vine pruning with the Dirtman, 2014
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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

Hours: Sun-Thu 10am - 4pm

Fri-Sat 10am - 4pm, until further notice

Mon-Sat 9am-10pm for seniors and high risk
Phone us to make an appointment.