With the hot weather continuing the grape harvest for 2014 has begun. The first grapes on the North Coast were picked this week for sparkling wine. The general prediction is maturation is 10 days to two weeks earlier than normal, so by this time next month we should be in full swing. Indications are the crop size will be substantial, but perhaps not as big as the last two bumper harvests.
In the winery our crew is bottling the remainder of our clients’ wines, and should be finished by mid August. This will give us little time to catch our breath before the grapes start arriving.
Taft Street Winery is pleased to announce the appointment of Vintage Wine Marketing as our California sales broker. Based in Napa and under the direction of Steve Ventrello and Faith Henschel-Ventrello, Vintage Marketing presents a portfolio of wines of the highest quality from around the world. They have a sales force which covers the state, and we look forward to a long and profitable partnership.
The 3rd Annual Sunset Magazine Wine Competition recently took place, and more that 2700 wines from around the world were entered. The Taft Street 2012 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir was awarded a GOLD MEDAL. This was the second year in a row one of our wines has been so honored.
Our summer music series, A Little Street Music continues its successful run. The David Luning Band put on a terrific show last weekend, and local favorite Danny Sorentino and his band perform August 10th. The Wendy DeWitt Trio will contribute to the Labor Day weekend fun with a performance August 31st.
Summer will not last much longer, so now is the time to pack a picnic lunch, play a little bocce, and sip a little Taft Street wine. You’ll be glad you did.
Cheers!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery