It appears that winter, or at least winter like weather, has returned to the vineyards of Glenora and along the shores of Seneca. Our temperature is 26 degrees however due to the wind that is coming from the northwest at 15 miles per hour, it feels like 13, and on top of that there are and have been snow flurries in the air resulting in about 1-3 inches on the ground!!!
In the vineyards: Pruning has been completed at Knapp in spite of the new dance taking place in Finger Lakes vineyards-"The DWS" or "The Documented Workers Shuffle". As has been reported many times before we are very dependent on our friends' affectionately known as "documented workers" (folks who come to United States-Finger Lakes to work and have "documents" allowing them to do so). If it were not for these folks it is unlikely the wine industry would be as vibrant as it is in the Finger Lakes-for sure it would be smaller. So, the DWS-because there is a shortage of these workers and the fact that almost every vineyard owner is trying to get them to come to their vineyards to trim, consequently in order to keep everyone happy (vineyard owners) the documented workers work in one vineyard for a while and then move on (the shuffle) to another before completing the job at the first vineyard-they do return after doing some work at the vineyard they shuffled off to. It also should be noted that these folks at not "nine to fivers". They often times start at daylight and work till dusk!!
Due to the weather forecast for the next few days we are sure that this will be a week of the question "How are the grapes"? We should be able to answer that question much better on Thursday or Friday when we can check buds after the forecasted low of 13 degrees on Tuesday. Needless to say, temperatures that low, especially after the period of warmer weather we experienced a few days ago, are very concerning to us.
While it seems like ancient history the Easter Sunday Buffets at The Vineyard Restaurant at Knapp and Veraisons at Glenora were both well attended and well received. The Veraisons Team hosted 231 guests-which exceeded their reservation list by 28. As always we are very appreciative of the Kitchen/Restaurant/Retail Shop Teams who give up their holiday to give our guests a pleasant experience-THANK YOU!
On Monday evening Winemaker Steve, Hallie, Belinda and Bob attended a gathering of industry folks at Fox Run Vineyards at which the 2015 Finger Lakes Dry Rose's were presented. Thirty two wineries attended and 36 wines available for tasting. According to information provided these 32 producers (wineries) have made a total of 10,074 cases of Finger Lake Rose'. On Friday afternoon several members of team Glenora gathered to taste some examples of the various Rose' that were presented at Monday's event. General observations: Dry Rose wines are a bit of an acquired taste (use Scotch as an example); while Cabernet Franc seems to be the predominant variety used to produce Finger Lakes Rose, we felt that those made from Pinot Noir were a bit more "fruit forward"; these are food wines!! The next Rose' event-The Finger Lakes Rose" Soiree which will be held on June 4th in Geneva, NY, Those attending will have the opportunity to taste many Finger Lakes Rose'. Information and tickets (it will be a sold out event) - www.fingerlakesrose.com
New Signage for Veraisons: Kerry, Tracey, and Joel are in the midst of a project, which will be unveiled at the Yates County Chamber Business after hours held at Veraisons in May. From what has been shown to the editor the new signage will definitely make a statement-more signage to come??!!!
As a result of the many requests (donations of money or product) that we receive each week to support local organizations, charities, foundations, distressed individuals, and a multitude of other worthwhile causes we are considering establishing a special vineyard which will be used to produce wine and income that can be used to support these donation requests. Therefore we will be establishing a 501-c3 foundation (tax deductible) which folks can donate to which will provide us with the funds to establish the vineyard in order that we can continue to donate. We are even giving consideration to vine naming rights for donations of significant size. As far as we can tell this would be the first "donation vineyard" (or one specifically designated as such-there are many they just do not know they are) in the Finger Lakes, if not the United States-we might even get grants!! Stay tuned!
Thought for the Week: Experience
"Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other." Ben Franklin
