Welcome to the Bridge - Monthly Newsletter of Grand Island Vineyards

Welcome to Grand Island Vineyards!

crest.png

For more than 50 years our family has tended our vineyards and grown our own grapes, for our wines, along the lush banks of the Sacramento River. We are striving to perfect the art and science of grape growing, and we’re proud to share the rewards of our labor by creating wines that showcase distinctive grapes perfectly. Bridging all aspects of our Winery from the Vineyard, to the Cellar, Winery Grounds,Tasting Room and beyond.

spot.png
ffff2.png

The 2020 Grand Island Vineyards Pinot Noir

Written by Winemaker, David Shattuck

We are very excited to be releasing our new Grand Island Vineyards Pinot Noir. This 2020 vintage is rich and well extracted with delicious ripe fruit notes. 


I love this wine in the summertime to pair with BLT's, fresh squash galette, and smoked sturgeon over pasta. While this vintage is the last harvest from our small home ranch block, we are excited for the new variety that is replacing this pinot noir.


This wine pours a rich ruby color with a hint or amethyst. The initial aromas are ripe boysenberry, mocha, a hint of sweet oak, and caramel. The wine evolves with air and showcases a mesmerizing bouquet of forest loam, chanterelle, pluot, and hibiscus blossom. 


The wine is luscious without being flabby due to a plucky acidity and well developed tannins. The finish is persistent with a lovely kiss of french oak and raspberry.


Check it out!
pg2.png
ffff2.png

Harvest Time on the Horizon!

Written by Winemaker, Ed Seikel

Harvest is fast approaching, so things are going to be ramping up for us very soon. We have some really fun upcoming opportunities for guests to see what goes on behind the scenes in the vineyards and cellar!


The first event will be a walking tasting of all the vineyards surrounding the winery, guided by one of our fabulous winemakers. We stop and taste wines made from the grapes grown in each of the vineyards, tasting grapes directly off the vines while talking about harvesting/ This is a really good way to get to know just what the wine you're drinking went through before it got bottled and into your glass.


As is typically the case, there will be live music and a food truck at the winery afterward, and it should turn out to be a really fun evening. Tickets are currently available on our website, as well as more information on this and several other events coming your way.


Next, we are bringing back the weekend Crushpad Tours starting once harvest is in full swing! These informative tours are limited to one tour a day and consist of walking through the crushpad to see the process of turning our grapes into wine. We'll talk about our overall harvesting process while we look at the different equipment involved, and maybe try some fermenting white wine fresh from the tank as well!


We also have ongoing Patio Tastings and the Tasting Room Experience if those are a little more your style. We'd love to see you, maybe consider coming by and saying hello.

CHECK IT OUT

BRIDGEHEAD

GRAND ISLAND VINEYARDS

SALMAN FAMILY RESERVE

pg2.png
trs.png
ffff2.png

New Events and Some Old Favorites!

Written by Tasting Room Manager, Tess Jonson

I can't believe August is here. There will be lots of baby talk, pictures, and if you're lucky you might even get to see the little guy in real life. Tanner may tag along to make the adjustment a little easier on Mom, baby, and especially Dad. See you all soon! 


Wine club is just around the corner so make sure you update your cc and change your wines before we charge your account. If you have any questions call or email and we will gladly help. 


Comedy Uncorked is back! Join us on August 19th for a night of laughter, delicious food and of course the best wine in town. Get your tickets now. For other events, including tours and tastings, visit our website at grandislandvineyards.com!

MAKE A RESERVATION!
ffff2.png

Veraison, Finally!

Written by Operations Manager, Joe Salman

I'm not gonna call it a color explosion, but I'm very happy to finally see the early signs of Veraison.


If you are new to my articles or grape growing terminology: In viticulture, veraison is the onset of the ripening of the grapes. The official definition of Veraison is "change of color of the grape berries".  As mentioned in the newsletter articles of the past few months I discussed the tardiness that these vines and quite frankly many other crops at least in this area and in California are showing in 2023. 


A grower hopes as vine milestones (bud-break, bloom, fruit set, Veraison) are hit that the vines might catch up to dates hit in previous years and in many years it does. This year is 2-3 weeks later than the past few years. The last and most important milestone is harvest. My guess is 2-3 weeks later.


First sign of color Pinot Noir July 23rd. Same Block July 31st.

but Petit Verdot July 31st.

and I'm still searching for color in some blocks!


upcoming.png
ffff2.png
pg2.png
shop.png
ffff2.png
412404.jpg
See Blends
412405.jpg
See Varietals
412406.jpg
See Reserve

Website -- Store -- Wine Clubs -- Vineyard -- Events -- Tastings -- Account Login