The fires have kept their distance (so far), the weather has cooperated nicely, and the grapes have been arriving in a steady stream. Maybe the finger crossing over the past couple of months worked, because it looks like an excellent year, though a bit light in quantity. Tomorrow is October 1st, and by the end of the day we will have brought in almost 80% of our projected grape harvest, virtually all of it in beautiful shape. The work is nowhere near over, however, as Melissa and her crew continue their regimen of long days and never-ending tasks. Mike M and Jake have added full time shifts in the cellar on top of their administrative duties.
The 2021 Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competition recently took place in Santa Rosa, and as usual Taft Street wines did pretty well. The Taft Street 2020 Russian River Valley Rose of Pinot Noir won a GOLD MEDAL, and the Taft Street 2018 Alexander Valley Merlot was awarded a GOLD MEDAL as well. We still have both in the Tasting Room at the moment.
The fall is an exciting time in the Tasting Room, as the year’s finest weather coincides with two very special events. Our President’s Club Pickup Party will be held Saturday and Sunday, October 16th and 17th. There will be three seatings each day: at 11:00am, 1:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. Reservations are required, and we will taste two pre released wines: the 2019 Grenache/Syrah blend and the 2019 Chalk Hill Merlot. There will be other goodies as well.
In November, we will open on the 3rd Thursday – November 18th – in order to celebrate the release of our 2021 Pinot Noir Nouveau. We started the tradition last year and it was a big success. We will continue the release party through Sunday, November 21st. Again, reservations are required.
We are ready for the fall with new outdoor furniture. The deck is an even more comfortable place to sip Taft Street wines. Join us!
Cheers!
Mike Tierney
President, Taft Street Winery