After weeks of waiting anxiously, harvest 2010 has finally arrived – big time! Another late summer heat wave pushed sugar levels into the final ripening stages, and Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards are now being harvested. We are doing whatever it takes to ensure the grapes are being taken care of properly; the crew worked until 4:15 am Thursday morning! With good weather forecast for the foreseeable future, it looks like long workdays will continue.
The hard work of Evelyn and her crew does not go unnoticed. Last week the Sonoma County Harvest Fair had its annual Awards Night; and our 2008 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was awarded a DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL, while our 2007 Russian River Valley Zinfandel Cobblestone Vineyard took a GOLD MEDAL. Add on SILVER MEDALS for our 2008 Russian River Valley Chardonnay Garagistes, our 2009 Russian River Valley Chardonnay, and our 2009 Russian River Valley Riesling – and you have a very successful evening. Congratulations to Evelyn White for another good year!
To add more action into our lives, we have decided to market our wines directly to retailers and restaurants in California. Instead of relying on distributors, we have created our own sales team to sell our wine. Laurie Keith will continue to represent us, and she has been joined by Clayton Smith. Together, they will cover Northern California (with some help from me). We will soon add reps in Southern California, and we’ll keep you posted of this exciting adventure. Initial reaction to our move has been overwhelmingly positive.
October is also the busiest time in the Tasting Room. This weekend we are taking part in an open house for members of wine clubs of the West County Wineries Association (formerly Eight at the Gate). On Sunday, October 10th, our autumn wine club party will be held. This is typically our biggest event of the year, and preparations are well underway. To top it all, Laurie Keith is having her engagement party at the winery this weekend. Congratulations and best wishes to Laurie and Tim!
If you are in the area stop by and witness the romance of the wine industry – stained clothing, sweaty faces, yellow jackets ……. And big grins!
Cheers,
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery