Wet Weather has us Working in the Winery

We've reached about 11 inches of rain for the season, a great start for a region that usually doesn't see much of the wet stuff until January. The cold weather and rain forced us into the winery to look for projects, of which we have no shortage.

So, we're currently labeling the recently released Estate Toucanet. I had some time after harvest to label and packaged enough of the wine to support the release, allowing me to begin shipping - but we blew through that batch quickly.

The Estate Toucanet is perfect holiday gift and wonderful toasting wine for the season. Enjoy this dessert wine with friends and family.

Estate Toucanet Gets Thumbs Up from The Bernards Inn's Terri Baldwin

The Bernards Inn is a world-class hotel and fine dining destination in Bernardsville, New Jersey. The fine wine collection is the work of Wine Director/Sommelier Terri Baldwin, and has been awarded the "Best of Award of Excellence" from the Wine Spectator Magazine for the past eight years.

Terri has put together an amazing International list, including French first growth wines dating back to the 50's and California premier Cabernets dating into the 60's.

We're proud that Terri has selected Toucan Wines for her fine wine list, including both our 2005 Estate Zinfandel and our Estate Toucanet. Here's what Terri has to say:

Estate Toucanet: the beauty of this unique sweet dessert wine is the flavor and texture. When I tasted this wine, I was extremely pleased with all that it offered. Dark sweet fruits, raspberry, wild cherry, vanilla, mocha. Great for gift giving with its uniqueness, this wine will be sure to satisfy the sweet tooth after dinner or as a holiday toast. Not cloyingly sweet, the texture is elegant and smooth that will have you thirsting for more. This wine will also age incredibly well for 15+ years. The packaging of this wine is also elegant in a 500 ML bottle (16 oz) and boasts 5 Toucan birds on the label…. Terrie Baldwin

Winter Arrives with Rain and Cold... Last Event of 2009

On Monday, the second rain of the season brought another 1.5 inches adding to the 5.5 inches gifted at the end of our harvest. More rain is expected this weekend making this a great start for the season. Our first frosty nights arrived in October, but yesterday the temps dipped into the mid-20's leaving a blanket of frost that covered our entire valley.

Our very last special tasting event will be at Monterey Street Wine Co. in San Luis Obispo on the 18th (Friday) from 5 till close. Frankly, this will be more of a party, the venue is great and improving everyday, and the tasting will be a selection sparkling wines and Toucan Wines. They'll feature gourmet foods, wines to taste and wines by the glass. This will be the perfect chance to enjoy some great wine and select a few last minute holidays gifts.

Plus, I'll be pouring our wines at Lund's in the village of Arroyo Grande every Saturday from 1-5pm through the end of the year.

Vineyard and Home Projects, plus New Events...

Our December newsletter is now available, amazing how quickly this year flew by. Now that winter has arrived, were starting work on a new patio in back of our home with a fire pit and a retaining wall. We're also doing some changes in the vineyard. This winter we'll raise the drip line and wire, used for tying vines in summer, and shorten the drip line to water between the vines instead of on top of the vine.

The vineyard looks beautiful this time of year, as seen in this photograph taken this week. We've had one terrific rain storm that offered over 5 inches and our next rainfall is expected next week.

We also have a number of new events coming up - this Friday I'll be in Atascadero for the evening pouring outside of Endless Summer Jewelry as a part of the Wine and Art Walk in that town. On Friday the 18th, I'll be again at Monterey Street Wines in San Luis Obispo from 5-8pm - this is a great event and I encourage all locals to come and enjoy a good time and evening out. And of course every Saturday through the rest of the year I'll be pouring at Lund's in the village of Arroyo Grande.

Finally, we ask that you order your gifts of wine from Toucan Wines via the website or simply by called us directly.

Happy Holidays!