Warm weather, still hoping for rain

We've had a warm couple of days, and I'm still hoping for rain this weekend - but the chance has been reduced to 40%. It's really a beautiful time of year with the green grassy hills and the tree leafing out. When you come to the central coast, please stop into Lund's on Saturday to taste our wines.

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In the Vineyard...

Waiting for bud-break, but we're in no hurry! The vineyard is pruned, cuttings removed, we mowed and weed-whacked, now it's time to focus on other projects. In 2008 bud-break was on 3/14 and in 2007 bud-break was on 3/25, I'd prefer later to avoid frost damage -- just last night we suffered from a heavy frost and that's not good for young growth.

Kathy's Pick

KATHY'S PICK - March 5, 2009

Toucan Wines 2006 Zinfandel Arroyo Grande Valley

This darkly-hued wine offers intense notes of blackberries, boysenberries, and black cherries that are rich and ripe, almost jammy notes but kept in balance by its natural acidity. Although it’s drinkable now, you’ll be rewarded by cellaring it three to six years. A good choice for barbecued ribs or steaks, meat, and cheese pizza, or penne pasta with sausage and mushrooms. Only $34 at Lund’s in Arroyo Grande or online at toucanwines.com. Read the New Times San Luis Obispo - http://www.newtimesslo.com/food-wine/

Pruning complete and great weather!

We've had wonderful weather and the days I spent pruning were very rewarding. Hard work but the time gave me a chance to think, listen to some good music and get some much needed exercise. Now, I'm getting ready for the first tasting event of our season and looking forward to getting back into projects around the property.

Remember our $1 shipping for orders of six bottles or more, and our new release , the 2006 Estate Zinfandel, is at the tasting bar in two more local places: SLO Down Pub offering live music and a cool vib and Gather in the village of Arroyo Grande opening later in March.

Started pruning, finally!

We've started pruning having completed bottling the 07' wines. The pruning is going well, but rain will be slowing progress this coming week.

Thanks to all those who've stop in to taste our 2006 Estate Zinfandel. Check out our new tasting sign used at Lund's on Saturdays - painted by Margareta.

Bottling and a little rain is nice!

We've been working at hand-bottling our 2007 vintage wines. We completed the small amount of 07 Estate Petite Sirah and we're still working on the 07 Estate Zinfandel. By the end of next week, you'll find us in the vineyard pruning.

Several days of rain is contributing to our rain-totals but we are still way under average.

New Release!

Toucan Wines 2006 Estate Zinfandel is now released on the web site and available at a few resellers. Stop in at Lund's (in Arroyo Grande) this Saturday and try the new release - and visit us at the Orange County Wine Society event March 1st to sample all our current releases.

$1 Shipping is Back !

$1 Shipping is Back - Order six or more bottles directly from the winery and your shipping will be $1 in those states we ship to. Order 12 bottles and you get $1 shipping plus a 10% case discount. Just order online from the web site or use the Toucan Wines order form. Here's Jake following me around on this warm day.

Amazing Weather...

I'm at Lund's today, in the Village of Arroyo Grande, and it's 75 degrees and beautiful outside. If only I was at the beach. Tomorrow we'll be racking our 08' Carignane and topping wine in the barrel room. Now Sunday, it again is a beautiful day - we started work in the winery and after brunch will begin racking.

Khevin Barnes and Socrates sing Toucan Wines!

Thanks to Khevin Barnes and Socrates for their creative video. Learn more about these International entertainers, visit http://www.drwilderness.com

To have your video about Toucan Wines considered for posting on our blog and our Facebook page, send it to me at the winery!