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July 2019 - Vol. 28
V
isit our recently redesigned website!
Click Here
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Welcome to the Bridge
Bridging all aspects of our Winery from the Vineyard, to
the Cellar, Winery Grounds, Tasting Room and beyond. Our ongoing newsletter is an ideal way to stay up to date with all aspects of the Winery
and our newest wine releases!
In this Edition: Learn what happens after Spring rains end and Summer begins, and about the importance of aging wine and how subtle changes occur in taste, over time. As always we have great tasting room events coming soon so mark your calendars! Meet another Grand Island Vineyards family member, Cameron Tapella and hear about our new spotlight wine, the 2018 Bridgehead Cabernet of Ros
é, grown from grapes directly outside the Winery doors. In a new section, we feature some of the awesome art from Marty and Skyler Stanley, with a summer discount of 18%! Read through the full events calendar and maybe take a minute to visit our newly redesigned website we've just launched to better serve you at
GrandIslandVineyards.com! It's not completely finished, but far enough along to push it live and see what you think :)
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by Operations Manager, Joe Salman
I recently talked about those abnormal pesky May rains and the possible downfalls from weather like that. Now in June, the weather is back to normal and the vines are growing, well... like vines do. It seems like the grapes themselves had no problems with the rain, but there are still some steps we have to take to ensure high quality grapes.
Leaf pulling, is a process where leaves and laterals in the fruit zone are generally removed on one side of the vine. Typically it's the side opposite the hot noon or afternoon sun. There are several benefits from this cultural practice we do in the vineyard. The open space around the berries increases air movement and decreases the pressure of molds, mildew, and rot in the fruit. The filtered light is the part that produces the color and flavors in the fruit that later translates to the wine.
As you can see, this Chenin Blanc vine on the right is protecting the fruit from this afternoon heat while leaving the fruit open to air movement.
Due to the row orientation, the Chardonnay vine below is actually getting kissed by some morning sun, but as the day goes on, the hot sun in the afternoon hits this vine on the opposite side. This only allows a filtered light getting through to the berries. Light without heat is key to the interior climate of the grape canopy and the grapes themselves.
All this writing is making me thirsty! Who wants a crisp glass of the 2018 BRIDGEHEAD Ros
e?
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Cellar News
The Importance of Aging Wine and the
Subtle
Differences Time Brings
One of the most asked questions we get is how long a wine should be aged. It's a great question, but one we normally have to answer with "Well... It depends." There can be a lot of factors that go into the aging potential of a wine, but the acidity, tannin, and color are some of the best indicators.
First off, I think it's important to note that not all wines are meant to be aged and the potential to age in bottle is not necessarily indicative of the quality of the wine. Wines like our 2018 Chenin Blanc, Winemaker's Red, and 2017 Pinot Noir are examples of delicious wines that were ready to be enjoyed when they were released.
Wines with a good amount of acidity, tannin and color, however, are very good candidates for aging. As a wine ages the tannins will begin to form complexes with the compounds responsible for color and fall out of solution as a light sediment. Wines with a high amount of tannin and color are able to withstand that loss, while also protecting the wine from oxygen. At the same time, a higher acidity can help prolong the fruit core, and will act as a strong backbone to help maintain the structure of the wine. Good examples of wines with a high aging potential would be our 2017 Reserve Chenin Blanc, 2017 Premier, and our soon to be released 2017 Petite Sirah.
Something fun that we, as Winemaker's, get to do that we highly recommend is to buy a case of your favorite wine with aging potential and try a bottle every few months. Take notes on what aromas and flavors are most apparent, and compare with your previous notes. It's a great way to enjoy the full life-cycle of a favorite wine!
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Tasting Room
Get Ready for Summertime Events at Grand Island!
By Tasting Room Manager Tess Jonson
We couldn't have asked for a more perfect evening during our June After Dark. I love to see the patio full of conversation, wine, good music, friends and dancing! We really have a lot of fun here at the Winery, and plan events accordingly.
Don't forget to join us for the next first Friday of the month,
After Dark, on July 5th from 5:30-8:30 pm. We'll have a little POP, ROCK, and SOUL and everything in between with Fish n' Chicks. Bring a picnic dinner, kick back and start your weekend off GIV style!
BBQ at GIV is back! It's been Roasting and Toasting, then Franc N' Ribs, but this year it's a Petite Soirée. We're partnering up with Buckhorn Grill in
August's pick-up party to give you a great BBQ experience that will go awesome with a great wine we're releasing -- our 2017 Petite Sirah. Woo!
Reserve your tickets for these great events now!!!
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Wine Family
Say Hello to Cameron Tapella!
Cameron has been a staff member since May of 2019 and currently resides in Elk Grove but is soon headed back to the University of Portland for school, where he is also an assistant hall director. He has been a tasting room associate with us since his Grandmother brought him here when we first opened. He has also known Jan Chaix as a long time friend and was very excited when she hooked him up with an interview at the Winery.
Cameron works with us seasonally in his time off since graduating with a BA in Theater from Loyola Marymount University, having attended from 2011 to 2015. Currently he is at the University of Portland seeking his MA in Higher Education and Student Affairs. He
adds a lot to the winery/vineyard experience as he has vast knowledge in wine, cheese and beer from his time with Whole Foods Market.
His favorite wines we make are the Chardonnay with dinner and the Symphony for fun. Beyond our efforts, Cameron is a big fan of the Browne Family Winery, specifically the Tribute Red Blend and both the Torri Mor Pinor Noir and Rosé. His favorite way to enjoy Grand Island Vineyards wine is with a picnic featuring an awesome cheese board or when cooking with family dinner. Rounding out his talents, Cameron once sang a solo at Carnegie Hall in New York. We are truly blessed to have someone with such talent here at the winery, so if you get a chance, come say hello before he returns to school.
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Wine Spotlight
The 2018 Bridgehead Rosé of Cabernet
By Winemaker David Shattuck
Every year, we are excited to introduce one of the wines made from the showcased Estate Cabernet Sauvignon grapes grown directly outside the winery door. There are several rows of Cabernet Sauvignon that are shaded by oak trees and maintain a naturally high level of acidity.
We use these grapes to make our Bridgehead Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, and this year our version is a slight change from previous vintages. In fact, this is truly an even more versatile wine than past years. To fully enjoy this wine, we recommend pairing during the summer months with light salads, grilled cheeses, shellfish, and pasta.
The 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon has a light carmine color with a hint of brick and opens with an intoxicating blend of dried herbs, cherry, and currants. After a slight swirl, the wine begins to present sweeter notes including buttered toast, berry, and caramelized sugar. This wine is focused with a gentle fruit component balanced by heavy acidity and hints of crushed limestone. The wine finishes cleanly with a prolonged sense of watermelon and a hint of pepper.
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Art Department
Crazy from the Heat - 18% Off Sale!
There's something for all your senses at Grand Island Vineyards. Not only do your tastebuds get a treat with our delicious wines, but your eyes get to see the visual splendor of the California Delta through the art work of the late, local artist Marty Stanley and photographer son, Skyler Stanley. Both raised in small Delta towns. Marty in Isleton and Skyler on Grand Island, Walnut Grove. You can see the love and respect they have for this awe-inspiring place through their art.
Their talent and ability to render this unique and beautiful landscape truly shows in their art. Marty's with his paintbrush and Skyler through his lens. Marty's instantly recognizable signature landscapes recall even the most elusive and surreal Delta sunsets. Capturing nearly all the moods and hues of the picturesque channels and tributaries. Skyler's photographs shows us the beauty of the Delta through his perspective with fresh eyes and a creative young mind.
If you've been thinking about purchasing a Marty or Skyler Stanley giclee print or just want to take a look, now is the time. We are having a "Crazy From The Heat 18% Off Sale"!! Starting July 1st through the 31st. Come visit the tasting room and art gallery and see for yourself.
Cheers!.....Sherry Stanley
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Upcoming Events
View all events, R.S.V.P. or get tickets to Grand Island Events and Tours here!
GIV After Dark - Rosé All Day, Rosé All Night - Friday, July 5th, 2019
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Featuring Live Music from Fish N Chicks - Price: Free!
Join us in GIV's tasting room, during our after hours, for live music and delicious wine! Buy your favorite by the bottle or by the glass and enjoy the talented musicians we've chosen for the night!
We encourage everyone to bring picnic foods to pair with any wine you buy for the evening.
Starting at 5:30, the evening includes:
- Free tasting of the new release, 2018 Rosé of Cabernet
- An intimate setting to enjoy GRAND ISLAND VINEYARDS wine
- Live entertainment with
Fish N Chicks
- Indoor and outdoor seating and service
Please click here to RSVP or for more information on this event!
Free Day at Grand Island Vineyards - Sunday, July 14th, 2019
11:00 pm - 5:00 pm - Featuring Free Wines and Barrel Tastings!
 Since we couldn't celebrate Independence day with you, we thought we would celebrate on JULY 14th with a FREE tasting day for you!
You will have your choice of any 6 wines (BRIDGEHEAD, GRAND ISLAND VINEYARDS, and yes even SALMAN FAMILY RESERVE wines). To top it off your tasting we will also have a free barrel tasting as well.
After all you can't spell FREEDOM without FREE!
GIV After Dark - Friday, August 2nd, 2019
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Featuring Live Music from Voice Over Band - Price: Free!
 The summer After Hours fun continues! Join us for the August live music and delicious wine event! Buy your favorite by the bottle or by the glass and enjoy the talented musicians we've chosen for the night!
We encourage everyone to bring picnic foods to pair with any wine you buy for the evening.
Starting at 5:30, the evening includes:
- An intimate setting to enjoy GRAND ISLAND VINEYARDS wine
- Live entertainment with
Voice Over Band
- Indoor and outdoor seating and service
Please click here to RSVP or for more information on this event!
Buckhorn Grill - Petite Soiree - Saturday, August 17th, 2019
5:30 pm - 8:30 pm - Featuring Live Music from The Crows - Price: From $20 - $30
 It's been Roasting and Toasting, then Franc N' Ribs, but this year it's a Petite Soirée. We're partnering up with Buckhorn Grill in August's pick-up party to give you a great BBQ experience that will go awesome with a great wine we're releasing -- our 2017 Petite Sirah. Woo!
Live music with
The Crows starts at 5:30 pm and will go on until 8:30 pm. Catering will start serving at 6:00 pm and we've chosen a delicious dinner. Buy your tickets above, with prices ranging from $20 to $30 depending on if you're a Reserve Club Member, part of our Wine Club Family, or a guest that wants to join in on some good eats and good drink.
Menu for this Event
- Tri-tip/Chicken
- Caesar salad
- Corn bread
- Red mashers
- Roasted veggies
So sit by the firepits, indulge yourself in our annual gourmet s'mores bar, and make some friends. Either with a bottle of wine or who you're dancing with.
2019 Harvest Dinner - Saturday, September 14th, 2019
6:00 pm - 11:00 pm
This event will feature catering by All Seasons All Reasons and live music which we will announce in the months to come.
We are still doing a lot of planning for this event but so far we have determined:
- 5:30 Appetizers
- Barrel sampling wines
- A Touring of wine-making equipment, bins, and processes
- 7:00 Dinner with outside dining
- After dark dessert and wine tasting
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