Grape Expectations

A lot of talk has been swirling around about the upcoming 2010 vintage in the Russian River Valley. This harvest is expected to be one of the longest growing seasons in recent years which can present a sort of cause and effect scenario. On one hand cool weather means slow ripening and extended hang time. This can result in intensely flavored fruit, and sugars developing at a more balanced pace, which in turn equals yummy wine!

 The down side is that when growers are still bringing in fruit in November, the threat of rain can be a real issue as mold and rot can devastate a crop. The waiting game is one that growers would prefer not to play, considering there is a small window of opportunity to harvest the grapes in such a cool season. Growers can work all year long tending to vineyards, spending hundreds of thousands of dollars on labor and maintenance costs only to have it ruined at the end of the season by bad weather. Already 2-3 weeks late there is no doubt that growers will be looking intensely at the clouds come late September.
There’s also some worry that the whites and some red varietals may mature at the same time, resulting in a monster workload at the winery. Typically whites will arrive first; Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay ect. Lighter red varietals such as Pinot Noir are next and closer to the end of the season come the heavier reds such as Zinfandel, Cabernet and Syrah. When many different varietals are ready at the same time it usually becomes a race to get the fruit off the vine, crushed and in the tank so there is room for the next load.

There is no doubt that 2010 has been a challenging growing season. In our 54 years of grape growing we always strive to produce the finest quality fruit we can, this year will be no different and we look forward to sharing this harvest season with you!

What activity do you enjoy most while wine tasting?

What a busy summer 2010 has been already! A wedding in the family, our new tasting room project, new vineyard plantings and of course preparation for harvest. 

Estate secrets

Poppy Rock

Spring has a way of reminding us how important it is to stop and smell the flowers. Here on the ranch there are several places where you can do just that. The other day I took a little break from a busy day of working in the office and went for a walk, taking along my camera. There is an area hidden from site that is one of my favorite places during the spring time. My Grandpa named it Poppy Rock and it is very appropriately named.  It’s a large rock formation that poppies literally seem to be attracted to. As the poppies bloom they cascade all along the rocks, creating some very beauty scenery. Poppies are most well known for being the California state flower. They are protected by the legislature and therefore it is illegal to pick or destroy them.

While I was back at Poppy Hill taking photos and admiring the flowers all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye I see a coyote dash through the trees. We hear them quite frequently at night but this is actually the first time that I ever saw one in person. He was quick and agile and didn’t really give me much of a second thought besides that I probably interrupted his afternoon nap. Wild animals are usually far from my mind while I’m out walking around but this is definitly the time of year to start watching out for rattlesnakes! 

Here on the estate we also have two lakes that my grandparents made when they purchased the property in the early 1950’s. Both lakes are used for irrigation purposes so we do not use water from any municipal source. In the lake are fish; bass mostly and occasionally some other feathered friends. There are several groups of geese that have settled here for the time being, sunning themselves and enjoying a little swim. Wow, it’s rough living in wine country.

Tasting room diary part 2

We are now in what I like to call “fun part” of the decision making process for the tasting room. While there is still a lot of paperwork, calculations and other not so fun decisions to make, we are getting closer to the actual construction of the building, which is very exciting and the part I have been waiting for!  I do not think that I was prepared for the extent of this project…and this is a small tasting room! We have been working closely with Lindsay our architect to really pin down how we want the building to both look and feel. My goal for this project has always been to keep it simple and clean yet rustic with a twist of refinement.

While this sounds easy to do, it can get really complicated.  I think our biggest challenge has been the design of the office/storage area. This space not only has to serve as our office but is also going to be our main wine storage area, which in the wine world means it must be temperature controlled. Yeah….So we decided to put in a small wine closet which we will seal and force cold air into so that the rest of the space won’t feel like Antarctica. The decisions that have to be made are endless, from where to put the fireplace to the size of the bar down to, do you want oil rubbed handles or bronze for the door and windows? It is enough to make you question your own sanity at times. I have learned a lot about architecture, lighting and what handicap accessible means. I have also learned how much fun it is dealing with the county….right. Even though we are very close to starting construction I still work daily on this project, it has definitely been a labor of love thus far. We are incorporating a rustic yet modern look that compliments the natural scenery of the area.

Here are some of the designs so far:

So we are wondering… what do you think is the most important design aspect of a tasting room? Is it the bar?  patio? fireplace? the bathroom perhaps? Let us know!

Where to rest your head on Westside Road

When travelling one of the most important decisions to make is…where are we going to stay? In an unfamiliar area it’s all about location, location, location. You want to be close enough to town to enjoy the restaurants and bars but also be able to enjoy the scenery and surroundings that are unique to the place that you are visiting.

Westside Road in Healdsburg in the Russian River Valley is world renowned for producing some of the best Pinot Noir and Chardonnays. It’s winding roads and beautiful, panoramic views of wine country make it an popular place to visit. After living on this road for 25+ years I’ve had a lot of time to think about where I would want to stay should I visit this area. Here are my picks for the best places to stay on Westside Road.

B&Bs are where it’s at. There are several absolutely charming B&Bs on Westside Road that are truly not to be missed. My top choice would have to be Madrona Manor. Right at the crossroad of Westside Road and West Dry Creek, this place is a must visit in Healdsburg. I have memories of coming here since I was little and every visit is better then the last. Our family has a tradition of having brunch here ever Easter Sunday. The eggs benedict are my personal favorite. The best seat in the house would have to be out on the patio which overlooks the beautiful garden area.

Joseph Bain is the wine director at Madrona Manor and treats us like family every time we visit. My grandfather use to tell me stories about how some of the rooms  in the Carriage House where haunted. So if you are superstitious, dwellers beware!  The inn is an ideal site for weddings, photos and special events and was just awarded One Michelin Star from the 2009 Michelin Guide, San Francisco.

Next on my list is the FarmHouse Inn. Technically located in Forestville but still in the Russian River Valley and at the end of Wohler/Westside Road. What I like the most about this place is that not all the awards and accolades, although these are very impressive ( it also has been awarded One Michelin Star) but that it is family owned and operated.  Owned since 2001 by a brother and sister pair whose family has farmed in this area for five generations. Coming from a family who has similar longevity in the farming community I always admire and like to support family businesses. Between the spa treatments and their celebrated cuisine, I warn you it will be difficult to leave.

I also recommend the Raford Inn. Tucked away and literally overlooking Russian River Valley this beautiful villa is a great location to just get away from it all. Originally built in 1880 this estate manor is a historical landmark. All rooms are individually decorated and are named after medicinal herbs, representing their healing properties. Your stay includes a wine reception and full breakfast. Voted best sunset by Lonely Planet!

Let me know where you like to stay in Russian River Valley, we can comapre notes!

So gentlemen…… how would you describe your woman as a wine?

With the movie He’s Just Not That Into You hitting theaters an amplified interest in the single life is occurring once more, similar to when that other show on HBO debuted all about 4 single women and the dating world: Sex and the City. Written by the same creators (imagine that!) as a dating guidebook to the secret (or not so secret) actions by men that say “Don’t date me, I’m trouble” and then follow with the line: “If …, he’s just not that into you.” For example, a simple one is:  ”If he is married, he’s just not that into you.” Kind of a no brainer to me–but hey, I don’t judge.

Being a single, 25-year-old women living and working in Wine County, this movie got me to thinking about men, women, dating, relationships and then eventually wine. I started an investigation of asking men to describe their ideal woman as a wine. Vintage, varietal, appellation, it’s all relative information to how wine eventually turns out.

I recently went to visit a friend in San Francisco and thought what a perfect place to start my inquiries. We visited several bars and I wasn’t picky about my interviewees. I talked to a variety of men from different ages, ethnicity, and relationship statuses. Here is what I discovered. I hope you enjoy it!

Andrew, 31 from Tornado, CA.
Relationship status: Currently dating a women but not in a serious relationship.
Ideal wine/woman description: A blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet and Petite Sirah, 1/3 of each. Characteristics of ochre and earth tones. Medium bodied with a smooth finish.

Sydney, 26 Hometown is Johannesburg and currently resides in San Francisco.
Relationship status: Single
Ideal wine/woman description: 1995 Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. Slightly full bodied with short tannins. Slowly opens up over several courses. Must pair well with steak.

Matthew, 30 from San Francisco
Relationship status: Single but dating
Ideal wine/women description: Older vintage of Malbec. Full bodied and robust, good wine for the price. Appropriate no matter what the meal. A wine that you would bring home to share with the family.

Mike, 40 from the Midwest
Relationship status: Single but dating
Ideal wine/woman description: A Syrah, spicy and unpredictable. Pairs well with Middle Eastern food

Andy, 34 Sebastopol CA
Relationship status: Married
Ideal wine/woman description: 1976 Zinfandel from the Alexander Valley. A little blend of Petite Sirah to add color. Full bodied with deep ruby and strawberry characteristics. Nice combination of spicy and sweet.

So gentlemen…… how would you describe your woman as a wine?

How much does it really cost to start a winery?

It always sparks my interest when people ask me about getting into the wine/viticulture business. Just yesterday my finance and I were in a tasting room in Healdsburg, I like to check out other tasting rooms to get ideas for our own which is starting construction soon.  I pulled out my John Tyler business card and the couple standing next to me were curious about my name. It is a conversation starter anywhere I go pretty much. Once I said that my family owned vineyards they couldn’t stop asking me questions about growing grapes. The couple was from LA and come up to wine county once a month, they confessed they would really like to live here but their jobs prevent them from moving out of the city to the country.

“What do you think about growing grapes verses owning a winery?” asked the husband. Wow, where do you start with that question? Neither of course is easy by any means, I said. But if I had to think about which one was more cost effective I would have to say growing grapes. With a winery you spend literally millions on equipment that basically stands idle for more than half the year, except for when you are crushing.  Lets just say you spend 3 million, on a small winery. Then if you don’t own your own vineyards you must go out and by grapes. Depending on the wine you want to make, Two-Buck-Chuck verses a 45$ bottle of Pinot Noir will dictate how much you spend on the grapes.

In our area, (the Russian River Valley), it is not unheard of to charge $4,500 a ton for high-end Pinot Noir or Chardonnay grapes. So right there you are looking at a nice chunk of change on buying grapes. Lets just say you spend $27,000, which would buy you about 6 tons, not a lot but enough to do a few hundred case of wine.

So you have your winery, and your grapes but what about a winemaker? Unless you plan on making the wine yourself you will need a hire a wine maker, running you approximately $85,000-$100,000 a year, maybe more.

Unless you are planning on bottling the wine in glass bottles and making a homemade label on your PC, you will need to develop a label for your wine.

If you are talented enough that you don’t have to hire a graphic designer you can save a bundle there. Hiring a designer for a wine label can run you $4,000-$10,000 dollars, this might include the development of a website too, which is crucial it you want to sell this wine.

And, this price does not include wine making supplies: yeast, dry ice, labor etc. Those can run you a few thousand dollars as well each year. Lets just say $10,000 a year. What about corks and foils? You will need those too… rough estimate for 500 cases, top grade corks and foils $5,000.

What about bottling this wine? Renting a bottling line can be very pricey and cost you a few thousand dollars, probably about $3,000 each time you plan on bottling.

How do you plan on selling this wine? And please don’t plan on just selling it to family and friends, it is not that easy. Especially if you want to build a brand. So you will need marketing efforts, sales people and travel expenses. If you are a new brand, be prepared to give a lot of wine away to competitions, media outlets and distributors to try and get your name out there.  This can be thousands upon thousands a year, lets just say $20,000 a year as an estimate, it could be more or less depending on your situation.

Needless to say, when you add everything up, starting a winery if not for the faint at heart. Nor is it profitable until you have been up and running for years.  I have heard the average is 10 years to pay off the cost of starting a winery and to become profitable.

With my calculations, just for one year of starting and operating a small winery you are looking at around $3,200,000.  Wow! We are not talking about a few pennies here, And keep in mind this is for your first year of operation, not to mention I am sure I have forgotten other misc things, like hiring an accountant, monthly electricity bills and other expenses that occur with running a business.

So overall starting a winery or planting a vineyard can be time consuming and expensive. But anything worth doing is worth doing right and if your passion and love lies within starting your own wine label or vineyard go for it!

What kind of wine drinker are you?

Open that Bottle Night is February 28th and to be honest, this is the first year that I have heard of this concept. Don’t get me wrong, I think it’s a fantastic idea. Having a special night to invite all your friends over for a dinner party and finally open THAT bottle of wine that you have been saving, but you were not quite sure what you have been saving it for. Birthday party, anniversary, promotion; which occasion is special enough to open that prized bottle? But this got me to thinking… there are so many different ”kinds” of wine drinkers, and what kind of wine drinker am I? These are the categories I came up with:

1. Build the cellar

This wine drinker is the collector. Much like I collect shot glasses this is the person who likes to acquire wine purely for the sake of looking at it. Their wine cellar can range from a 2007 Geyser Peak Sauvignon Blanc that retails at $10.00 a bottle to the coveted Screaming Eagle Cabernet Sauvignon that won’t go for less than $1,000; they collect wine. Now it’s not to say that these people don’t like to drink wine as well, it’s just a more difficult decision as to which one to drink. This is when the OTBN would come in handy. It gives these wine drinkers an excuse to open that special bottle, which they have plenty of.

2. Bottle to Bottle

These drinkers are the ones who can’t ever seem to fill their cellar because the moment they buy the wine and put it on the shelf it’s gone the next dinner night. They also tend to be the ones that when they buy a bottle of wine and like it they will buy another one. Every occasion is a good occasion to open a bottle of wine, no matter what bottle. Also storage comes into play with this category as some don’t have the room to store 200 bottles. They may cellar and age some exceptionally special wines but for the most part, the corks get pulled and the wine is drunk.

3. It’s all about the food

Our winemaker Tyler Heck came up with this category as he says this one describes him the best. He says from a winemaker’s perspective it’s difficult to drink a glass of wine without a meal in front of you.

“I tend to not treat wine like a cocktail. I’ll usually go for the scotch on the rocks or a beer if I’m just trying to relax from a hard day’s work. But with a nice dinner, I’m always reaching for the wine. I do cellar and age a lot of the wine in my collection because I know that most are released pre-maturely and will get better with some time. I have to admit that about 85% of the wines in my cellar are red. Wines in my collection include several bottles of Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, a Charbono from On the Edge and M2, a private label from Mike Martini. What I am eating will dictate the bottle of wine that I open. Fish, or chicken I’m going with a white, otherwise it’s all about the red.

4. To finish or not to finish? That is the question.

It’s common knowledge that a bottle of wine will typically be about 4 glasses. There are some, like my parents who want just a glass of wine with dinner but rarely ever finish a whole bottle of wine in one sitting with just the two of them. This is where half bottles become very convenient as they usually provide 2 glasses, perfect for couples. On the other hand there are those that just can’t fathom opening a bottle and not drinking the entire thing. Whether they think it won’t be as good the next night or as a child they were always taught to finish all the food on their plate, that bottle is getting drunk.

I’m sure there are many sub categories of wine drinkers but regardless, what ever kind of wine drinker you are there is room for us all. I’m already planning in my head the bottle I want to share at my Open that Bottle Night party. What wine will you be opening? Let us know!

Gettin’ cowboy and crabby

Nicci and Crab and Fennel Fest

Living in the country there is no shortage of excitement, mis-happenings and slip-ups, especially when you least expect it. It’s tradition that every year we attend the Sonoma County Farm Bureau Crab Feed.  Last Saturday night as my mom, dad and I head out the door, looking forward to cracking some crab we hear a clanking sound up in the barn that does just not sound right. After tromping up the hill in my cowboy boots I get to the top to see a female heifer poke her head out of the barn, she had somehow gotten out.

Now over the years this has happened many times so it’s usually no problem. We get a few bodies, post up at the gates and our German Sheppard and round them back into the pasture. But this cow was not having it. She ran around the vineyard for a few minutes, bloody nose and all. Finally we get her down to the gate and she is heading straight towards my mom, ready for a stand off.

We will never know why she chose to go through my mom and out onto the road, maybe she was just looking for a little excitement. Very rarely does one of the cows ever get on the road–I can remember only one other time that this has happened and it is never a good thing. Westside Road is known for wineries, pretty scenery and rolling hills–not three crazy people running around trying to find their lost cow. Finally we find her running back towards the pasture on the road being following by three other cars. I can only imagine what these people are thinking.  Eventually we get her back into the pasture, home safe and sound, I’m sure she is already planning her next escape.

Time for the main event. My grandpa is a seasoned veteran so he always remembers to bring the crab crackers and picks, it makes eating crab a lot more enjoyable. Following dinner is the ever popular live auction where you can bid on everything from  a trip to Las Vegas to a wilderness pig hunt to a dinner for 10 in the Kunde wine cave. Just be sure not to wave your bidder number if you don’t intend to bid… ops! The night’s emcee was Ziggy the Wine Gal, who I absolutely love and follow her “Wine of the Week” on Bob 96.7 FM religiously. The event’s auctioneer was Rex Williams. With 25 years in the business Rex is a respected fixture on the livestock and fair circuits.  We had our full of pasta, salad, clam chowder and of course crab. Looking forward to next year!

Country tales

Sometimes living in the “boonies” is very inconvenient. Just going to the store has to be planned in advance with a list because if you forget anything you have to take that 5 mile drive back into town or forgo the thyme in your dinner dish. But more times then not I really enjoy living out in the country. We always have the beautiful scenery of the vineyards or an interesting visitor that just decided to drop in, like the blue heron that landed in the vineyards yesterday. My mom grabbed the camera and got a few shots of him walking around until our German Sheppard caught site of him and he flew away. And just the other day as we were hand labeling in the cellar I look over to see a large skunk scurry out of a hole and run across the pasture. But lately the largest nuisance has been the coyotes. They keep taunting our dog; Roxanne in the middle of the night, howling and whaling, encouraging her to answer back. Three nights in a row I have been woken up at all hours to their “communicating”.

Growing up in the country my sister and I had some unusual pets. Occasionally my dad would find a baby jack rabbit while walking through the vineyards and he would bring it home. Our first baby jack rabbit was named Buster and my mom bought a harness so that we could walk him around outside. One day while taking Buster for a walk my sister and I were arguing over who was going to hold the rope. Sure enough I dropped the rope and away Buster flew into the vineyard, harness and all, never to be seen again.  We also had out share of other pets including lizards, tag poles, mice, baby birds, turtles and a baby deer. Of course living in California we did encounter the occasional snake, usually the harmless Gardner snake which my mom decided should be better left outside. All in all some of our pets might have been a bit odd but that is how we do it out here in the California countryside.

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