Note From Jo ~

Fall ~

Prior to my employment at Silverado Vineyards 18 years ago, the word "harvest" aroused fond memories of picking green beans and apples with my grandmother during annual summer visits.  What we did with the beans and apples afterward was pretty straightforward and quick.  The Kentucky Blue Lake beans were trimmed and canned. Apples were sliced, (one slice for me to eat, one for her and one for the pot) and transformed into the most amazing applesauce.  Olfactory senses were on overload, with her magical portions of cinnamon, nutmeg, other secrets and apples.

Aromas now savored during harvest are tons of Chardonnay being pressed, truckloads of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes going through the crusher, juice being fermented, wood aromatics of new barrels, and even the biodegradable cleaner our cellar crew uses, with its heavenly fragrance of orange. 

Of course turning the grapes into wine is a far more multifaceted than making applesauce – just read our assistant winemaker’s article on yeast and fermentation. The arrival of harvest ushers in a sense of "the beginning-of-the-end" for summer festivities, and the onslaught of ostensibly endless activity. This is the season of a winery’s unsung heroes -- the cellar staff.  If you query them as to what element of harvest they are enthusiastic about, I venture the response would be, "When it’s over!"

Summer precedes harvest and makes it debut after spring. Our Northern California spring arrived ever so tardy, with a nonchalant; cold-shoulder attitude, then abruptly abandoned the stage for summer’s blazing entrance.

The first day of summer in California was hot, literally speaking. We were on fire. It also was our middle son’s inaugural day of employment with Cal-Fire, California’s firefighting force. Haze, ash and soot blanketed most of Northern California for weeks, creating air quality and health issues. Our oldest son, who works for the state air quality control board called one evening and we humorously needled him, asking if there was something he could do about the air. The retort was, "Tell my brother to put the fires out faster!" Sibling rivalry -- some things never change with age.

The haze has lifted. As of the end of September, we are about 70 percent through harvest.  The vineyards, terrace, and view beckon. Schedule a fantastic vineyard tour – taste the wine when it begins and celebrate our season of "Harvest".  The large ancient oak in the Saddleblock section of our home vineyard is comforting to sit under, giving you a sense of belonging and humility.  Come walk between the vines and savor the view from that special spot.  Call for reservations:  707.259.6653.

Cheers,

Jo Dayoan
Wine Club Coordinator