Finally, trimmed and tied. An old rule was “before the end of April”. When the buds start swelling, they might “pop off” if you are still tying. This is one part of the beginning of the long journey to the “Birth of a Winery”. The building is coming along (pictures soon), but there is GOVERNMENT…

The grapevines have to be cut back. You start with one trunk, trying not to think about the thousands to go. The past winter was hard; extensive sampling for bud damage must be conducted.

Things are underway at the winery.  The tasting room is in the construction phase and the design of bottle labels for our first vintage is in the works. Here is a sneak preview of a potential design. What do you think?

The dreaded invasion of the Japanese Beetle. Every winemakers nightmare. Kevin, Long Cliff’s viticulturist, “smiles though  his heart is breaking”. It’s always darkest before the dawn. Selective berry picking in progress….. Finally reaping the rewards of our labor. Envision this in a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.