As twilight set upon the Temecula Valley, we were already hard at work. Sweat dripped from our brows as we raced from vine to vine, row to row, our hands sticky with the sugary nectar dripping from our grapes. Our excitement could not be contained. Smiles filled our faces and laughter boomed though the air, drowning out even the roar of the tractor. This was it. This is what we have worked so hard for. This was the start of harvest 2014.
Our vineyard associates, hard at work 2-3 weeks ahead of schedule.
Pinot Grigio has always had a special place in my heart. Its crisp and refreshing character make it the perfect summer wine, so perhaps it is fitting that it was the first grape we picked to begin the 2014 harvest season. This season got off to an early start and just kept on running. We’re a good 2-3 weeks ahead of previous seasons. At this rate, we’ll be done harvesting our last grapes by the end of September.
Not an easy job, but these guys couldn’t stop smiling or laughing with happiness at the start of Harvest season.
Typically we harvest at night and immediately chill the grapes down in a temperature controlled room. Cool temperatures prevent the grapes from beginning to ferment prematurely, and ensure everything we have worked so hard for all year in the vineyard makes it into the final product. For today, that product is the 2014 Ponte Pinot Grigo, and I can proudly say we on the winemaking and vineyard teams have done everything we can to make it into something extra special. I hope you enjoy it when it is released next year. In the meantime, check out our 2013 Pinot Grigio, recently released and available for purchase in our Tasting Room and Online Store.
Superior grapes is what it’s all about in our vineyards. The care and dedication our team gives to the vines all year leads up to a great harvest.
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