The Grapevine
President’s Corner
July 2011
I spent today bottling my 2009 Port and a Super Tuscan blend, so now I have all my carboys available for the 2011 crush. Now is the time to start planning what varietals you want to make this year and how much to order. The Grape Co-op Brochure is now available, and due to weather conditions and demand, prices are generally a little higher this year. We look forward to providing high quality grapes again this year. Get your orders in.
We had an outstanding Santa Barbara County Fair Home Wine judging this year. Thanks to all to entered wines and those who judged and helped during the competition. A special thanks to Steve Rau and Fred Carbone who organized and coordinated the judging. Congratulations to all the winning wines. Results are here. Leading up to the wine judging, CCHVA hosted several monthly wine evaluation and judging seminars that were well attended. Every time I get a chance to taste and evaluate wine, I learn so much. Thanks to Hank Rickett, John Thunen, and Rhonda Cooper for organizing the seminars.
Coming up on August 27th is our annual summer picnic. This year we will have the barbeque at Biddle Regional Park east of Arroyo Grande. We were unable secure a vineyard venue this year, but believe Biddle Park will be a great location. More importantly, it is the people who attend and the wine that they bring that really makes the event, so this year’s picnic should be the best ever. Details are included in this newsletter. See you on the 27th!
Once again, your CCHVA Board has been hard at work, and we encourage inputs from our members on events or activities you would like to see the club host. Please let us know if you have any suggestions.
May you never want for great homemade wine and good friends to share it with.
Jim Ford
President