Nature's July Fourth Celebration!

What does a winery owner do on the Fourth of July? Work, again from sunup until sundown. Nature rewarded us with a spectacular show at sunrise and again at sunset. For me, it is much more meaningful to watch than the traditional fireworks.

Are you wondering what Tim is holding in that tiny, little bottle? That is what we spend our evening doing; bottling our desert wine, Yummy Zin. I did get to taste it as we were bottling. Tim asked when I thought we should put it out on the tasting table. I answered, "Maybe never!" If we put it out I will have to share it with others. I might not want to do that because it is, well, yummy!

Proud Author

After buying a copy of Joan’s book, “Drinking Wine Is Made Simple” Andy and Carmen asked Joan to sign it. I just can’t resist the opportunity to take her picture when she does. I haven’t checked lately but I wonder what a signed copy goes for on E-Bay.

One of our regulars

Jolie has been visiting our winery since she was in utero. Every few months she brings her parents back to visit our doggies (see blog October 16, 2008). This time she came by to check up on Emma and meet Lizzie for the first time. She and Lizzie were much too quick for me to memorialize by getting a picture, but the introductions went off very well. While Jolie visits with Emma and Lizzie, her parents manage to get in some wine tasting. It’ll be a while before she can join them.

Military Intelligence

On Friday, Joan and I were invited to pour our wines at the Fort Huachuca Military Intelligence Hall of Fame Induction Ball. It was a most extraordinary event. Hundreds of soldiers and their companions were dressed out in the most elaborate formal military uniforms, tuxedos and ball gowns. Captain Andrew Schuster, who was in charge of the event, and his wife Lisa stopped by. It was the first time ever that a local winery poured Arizona wine at this event and it was the brainchild of Captain Schuster. He had taken on the assignment of a reconnaissance mission some weeks earlier and after visiting our tasting room had chosen our 2008 Chardonnay and 2007 Syrah. It was a tough mission, but he managed. We’re glad he did and we look forward to next year.

Summer is Here!

Welcome to the life of the farmer. Once the grape vines start their growing season it is time for us to step up our pace. Our days often start at sunrise and end at sunset. Last Saturday Tim drove to Willcox to check on the grapes growing in the vineyards he purchases grapes from. Here he is getting the truck ready on Friday night to make sure nothing prevents an early departure. Why the 5:00 a.m. departure you may be asking? He needed to be back at the winery for opening time in the tasting room. After closing we headed out into the vineyard for more work with the vines. It is my favorite time to be out as the wind is usually quiet, the birds are doing their end of day thing and almost always there is a beautiful night sky. What more could a person ask for?

Magic with Malvasia

Our Malvasia by Moonlight event Saturday was even more magical and enjoyable than we imagined it would be. Our lovely group of guests included some regular, loyal customers whom we've come to know over the past two years, as well as some new friends who stumbled upon the event on the Internet. Everyone visited and enjoyed themselves over the course of the evening as we tasted each of my father's new Malvasia wines, paired with delicious gourmet small plates from Prairie Chicks catering.

The Prairie Chicks did a wonderful job setting up our tasting room for elegant dining, and the food pairings worked perfectly to show off each of our unique white wines. From the homemade yogurt cheese served with the hors h'oeuvres to the grilled shrimp served with red pepper beurre blanc sauce, all the food was delicious. The rich apricot marzipan tarts that the Prairie Chicks served for dessert alongside our fortified Mavasia Passito were so delectable, many people wrapped up their uneaten portions to take home!

The windy and cloudy weather didn't cooperate to let us sip our wine outdoors while watching the full moon rise over the mountains, so we dined in the beautifully decorated tasting room. I went outside at moonrise time to find out if there was anything to see, and instead of a moon there was an incredibly vivid double rainbow, arcing across the sky from the Mustang Mountains to the Canelo Hills. Most of the guests went outside to marvel at it and take photos, and some people complimented us on ordering up such a miracle for our event.

Later this week I'll put even more pictures online on the Photos page of our website, so stay tuned. And look out for our next catered wine pairing event, probably sometime in the fall.

Author Signs Book!

I really like Joan’s book about tasting wine (Drinking Wine Is Simple!). In her usual straightforward and clear style it describes the process of drinking wine with the goal of demystifying what is really a simple experience. “Just drink it”, she often says to me as I labor trying to describe the tastes, smells, and feelings of drinking wine. Sometimes people who buy the book ask Joan to sign it, which is always a proud moment. So when Erin and Doug asked for the author’s signature, they all consented to having me take their picture. Erin and Doug – welcome to our blog space. Drinking Wine is Simple.