Vineyard Update

Canelo Hills has its vineyard back!  I am so excited and pleased with the health of the vines that survived last year's weather disasters.  Here are some photos so you can share in the joy.

 Even though there is no fruit on the Syrah, it is doing its usual unruly thing.

 Oh, those Tempranillo!  What a producer they have turned out to be.

 The Tempranillo we planted this year is doing fabulously!

If I look closely enough, I can even find the occasional cluster of Cabernet grapes.  I am looking forward to next year when we should have a good amount of vines fruiting again.

Harvest 2011

It has begun. This past Saturday Viognier arrived from Sierra Vista Vineyard in Sasabe, AZ. Melissa Owen is the grower for this unique plot of earth just adjacent to the Mexican Border. Harvest always fills the winery with excitement and promise. White grapes ripen before red grapes and lead the vintage - a harbinger of the year to come. The 2010 Viognier from this same vineyard is a lovely white wine and is currently on the tasting table. This 2011 fruit will certainly make a wine every bit as delightful.

Barrel Tasting 2011

Saturday night was our annual barrel tasting event.  Every year it is a much anticipated event where we all get a preview of the coming red wines with comments by winemaker Tim.  This year we made it even more exciting.  Lisa Schoneman volunteered to create an enchanting setting, John and Joy from Canela Bistro worked magic with their food pairings and Scott Schoneman assisted with the evening and contributed the photos in this blog.  The atmosphere, the wine, the food, the company of Canelo Hills friends all contributed to a night to be remembered.  We'll do it again next summer.