All of a sudden we are into full summer mode. The weather has warmed, the hills have browned, and the visitors have arrived. We started our concert series with a great show by Steve Pile and Lazyman. The place was packed, the vibe was perfect, and we are happy to be back in our comfort zone.
It’s not that we haven’t been busy. Jake and I spent a productive week in New York in April, while Mike Martini was making progress in the Chicago market. I returned from a hop over to Spain to meet Sales Manager David Gast in Reno for a market visit and a winemaker dinner. This pace should continue through the harvest season.
Today we say a formal farewell to winemaker Evelyn White with a luncheon here at the winery. Evelyn has contributed much to us on so many levels, and she will always be a part of the Taft Street family. The good news is she will remain in the neighborhood and we expect to continue to see her often. Meanwhile, new winemaker, Melissa Kuhn is settling in nicely and daily operations are progressing seamlessly. Speaking of the Taft Street family, we are expecting an addition this harvest season when Kaitlyn Callaghy will bring forth baby #2!
In the winery, seasonal work continues. Bottling is on schedule, contracts have been drawn up for the coming harvest, and plans are being adjusted in the marketplace. Another season in the wine business.
Our picnic grounds have never looked better. The winter rains have done wonders to the trees and shrubs, and there is truly a park like setting to enjoy some of the best wines in the Russian River Valley. Join us.
Cheers!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery