From near record heat to cold...

I worry about the weather a lot - when irregular I'm concerned for our grapes and of course the climate drives the work needed in the vineyard. Whether it's thinning the extra growth from excess rain or leaf pulling to expose the fruit to air and sun - to spraying for mildew the result of cold and damp days and nights. This new cold spell we're in seems to me like winter, with it's sprinkles, fog, low clouds, cool windy days... weird.

We had fun pouring this weekend at the Arroyo Grande strawberry festival - thanks to those who stopped by to try our wine and enjoy the food and shops at the festival.

California Heat Wave 100 degrees and counting

Well it's only about 88 degrees in the shade right now, but yesterday was good and HOT and today and this weekend it's expected to bake and reach well over 100! The vines love it! Except for the young vines we just planted, those I'm hand watering every other day to keep them alive.

We just finished racking the 07 wines, the Estate Port, the Estate Zin and Petite Sirah are all coming along nicely. And we're doing some early preparation for this year's harvest. We have our barrel order placed, I'm looking into new bottles, and alternate suppliers for some materials.

Next in the vineyard I'll make a second pass to sucker unwanted growth and to tie vines that might get caught-up in the tractor when mowing. So, if you're driving by the vineyard wave at the farmer in the hat.

BBQ Chicken Sandwich & Toucan '06 Cuvee

I need to pass along this link to the Sideways Wine Club Blog offering a chicken recipe I think you'll enjoy along with our Toucan Cuvee. Thanks to David for providing it. The Sideways Wine Club has offered our wines to their members and we welcome those readers. Also, when in Solvang please visit Taste of the Valleys - a great wine bar that's cozy and always a good time.

Wild, Wild, Arroyo Grande Valley

We're often reminded of how far from town we really live -- when you need milk and the store is 20 minutes away or when the power goes down for several days. We're not remote and we may have many luxuries, but this is "the country".

But nothing could be more awakening then waking up yesterday morning to a mountain lion standing at your kitchen door. Well, that's what happen to our neighbor - fortunately he took several great pictures of the mother lion and her two cubs. Last night we went over to see the lions (having not had our fill from the National Zoo last week). And just as the sun was setting the mother was eating on the Deer remains from her kill Saturday and what a treat it was to watch. Again, our neighbor took some great pictures.

And this morning another reminder, outside our bedroom window, we spotted one of the Lynx (similar to a Bobcat) in the field next door. This beautiful animal is nice enough to hunt the gophers and other small mammals living in the field.

(family picture taken Saturday)