Getting things done in July

We're getting the normal warm weather with a little wind. The closest fire is the Gap fire in Goleta about 90 miles away. We've seen some haze from this fire and we smell some smoke depending on the direction of the wind. Friends in town mentioned they see a little ash on their cars in the morning. We always worry about fire this time of year, in our small canyon we only have one way out and escape could be dangerous. This coming week will bring another heat wave to the central coast - let's hope fire fighters can make progress before then.

The vines are looking good, growth is slowing in the vines and the grasses have mostly gone to straw. July will include some hoeing in the vineyard, a final mowing, and prep for netting in early August. In the winery we'll be working to install a lift system in the barrel room and begin servicing equipment in preparation for harvest in September.