FALL

2011

    

“Should old acquainted be forgot and never brought to mind?“

In some cases, “Yes”, like old Jack Frost. Seems as though he paid some of us a late visit in May of all months. Well, it’s 2012 and some of us are just getting over the excitement of 2011. As our President always says “and yes we are growing”. This statement puts a big burden on me. It creates a lot more work, more wineries to see, more sampling to be done, and more great people to meet. It’s no wonder I created this position for myself.

Again, here is that boring history lesson. When I joined the Association in 2004, (known as the “Northern California Intermountain Grape Growers Association”) there were four (4) member wineries. In our December 2006 copy of The Press, we had a total of ten (10) member wineries. In the 2008 issue, we were at twenty (20) wineries. Today, we have a total of thirty-six (36) wineries. What an impressive growth rate. We are truly lucky to be associated with such outstanding wineries. If you are a numbers person, the SCVA had a total of 56 members at the end of 2006. During the 2008 Annual Membership Meeting on January 19, we reached 100 members. Today we still stand around 150 paid members.

Fall has turned to winter, and with it comes the “Dormant period” where our vines sleep. During this resting period, they will re-vitalize themselves and prepare for the upcoming spring. Most of our outdoor labor is complete, however, it is our indoor activity that starts to pick up, i.e. Racking, testing, tasting, and getting ready for bottling. I hear there’s a couple of rumors out there that state that I will not be running for the Board this year. Well let’s put that rumor to rest: I will not be running again. I have been serving on the Board for six years now, and I believe it is time for new people with fresh ideas to step in and set the direction the Association must now go. I want to thank everyone for trusting me in guiding your Association and letting me serve you. It has truly been an HONOR for me.

OK, rumor #2, is false!! I will still be writing On the “Wine”ding Road article for The Press. However, I throw out a challenge to any and all members that have an idea or experience to share, write it up and send it to Greg and John for publication .

Albireo Vineyards (474-4375) www.AlbireoVineyards.com  A couple of weeks ago, I talked to Nels Larson about this year’s harvest. He informed me that, although light, his entire vineyard withstood the frost and has produced some outstanding results. He was most excited about his Petit Verdot (26.5 Brix) and his Cabernet Franc (29 Brix). He also has Malbec, Barbera, and Merlot. In addition, he will start selling some of his wines this spring/summer.  Here is the Good News: Nels and Christine will bring some of their wines to the January 14 meeting for all to sample. This only proves that membership does have its advantages. 

Be there to VOTE, listen to our great speakers, have lunch and sample some wine.

 Dakaro Cellars (472-1962)   Daro59@yahoo.com

The Dakaro Cellars tasting room is getting closer to it’s grand opening and let me tell you that David and Kathy Roth are very excited about that. It is a dream coming to fruition for both of them. They too are looking toward the Spring/Summer time frame, watch the SCVA Web page for an announcement. Well I am very excited about it also, just think, another job assignment if things get slow. OH this work will it ever stop? 

The following wineries have let me know about upcoming wine tasting and/or release parties: