The early summer growing season is in full swing now – Chardonnay berries are the size of peas and the Merlot, always a bit behind, is about the size of BB shot. This week, we’ve had some typical summer weather. Heavy fog in the early morning, gradually clearing by noon, a sunny lunch on the patio, the breeze picks up around 2pm, the flags in front of the Veterans Home fluttering late afternoon, and flying out straight by 6pm. Our Napa Valley wind machine has arrived, to moderate our temperatures all summer!
Given that the temperatures this weekend will likely be in the 90s, I hope that wind machine kicks into high gear for all the folks that are here to participate in the Napa Valley Auction. The events sees people come from all over the country to bid on one-of-a-kind barrel lots and bottles produced exclusively for the event. While the local wine industry and related businesses create more than 46,000 local jobs and contribute more than $13 billion to the local economy annually, the Auction Napa Valley fundraiser event has invested more than $150 million in community health and children’s education since 1981.
As we round the corner into summer, make every one of those precious weekends count. Just in time, our new 2015 Viognier is available online, something perfect for cooler, simpler, spicier fare the patio season ushers in. A beautiful nose of sweet, ripe stone fruit simply begs for sipping – a light, delicious alternative to Chardonnay. There are worse ways to welcome the warm weekends ahead!