Winter has arrived in California. Intermittent rain and snow have been the rule for the past several weeks, and there are few signs that the situation will soon change. The wet weather has been COLD. Pipes at the winery have burst, and our GM Mike Martini has added welding to his skill set. I spent a few days with my family in the Sierra’s, where the thermometer read 5 degrees on New Year’s Eve. The vineyards are in good shape, however, and pruning is well underway. With all the moisture the hills have turned a brilliant emerald green – quite a welcome sight.
It is back to work in the cellar this week. Our 2015 Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir Rose, Pinot Gris and North Coast Rose are all scheduled for bottling this month. New Assistant Winemaker Erin O’Brien will have her hands full from Day 1.
This week Jake Martini and I will meet with the Northern California sales team of The Henry Wine Group to formally kick off the Taft Street Brand. Next month we will host a lunch/meeting with several Bay Area units to underscore the importance we place on the vital California marketplace.
Coming up next week is the 24th annual Winter WINEland. On January 16th and 17th participants will have a chance to meet winemakers, taste limited releases and library wines, and enjoy the unhurried pace of winter in wine country. Taft Street will offer special discount pricing to participants, as well as showcasing our Tasting Room exclusive 2013 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon.
Come join us next weekend, or anytime during the “off season;” when the crowds are gone, the hills are green, and the wine is tasty.
Cheers,
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery