What's going in the Cellar
Greetings, fellow winemakers! We're excited to uncork the latest news and delves into current events surrounding grape varietals, harvest updates, and innovative viticulture practices. Here, you'll find insights into the fascinating world of grapes, wine, winemaking.
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CCHVA President's Message October 20226 Fellow CCHVA Winemakers, It’s hard to believe we’re already into October. For those of us who make wine, this time of year has a special rhythm. The vineyards are busy, the crush is underway, and once again, we get the opportunity to turn great California grapes into something we can enjoy with family and friends for years to come. If you missed this year's CCHVA grape order, you should really reach out to a vineyard or two on your own to order grapes. More vineyards than ever are letting their grapes hang, because the wine industry is experiencing a pretty significant downturn. So, for members who want to make wine, a lot of wine grapes are competitively priced... or FREE! Speaking of crush, the next time you see Monica Bennett, give her a big high-five... she's doing amazing work to bring incredible grapes to our members. This harvest season was especially memorable for me. I personally crushed Sauvignon Blanc from a Lucas & Lewellen vineyard for my own winemaking, and my family supported Jen Jeffries and her Sangiovese harvest. There’s something pretty special about walking into a vineyard, picking the fruit yourself, and knowing that those grapes will soon become wine in your cellar. It’s one of the many reasons I love being part of this hobby and this club. Meanwhile, my 2025 Syrah is still aging gracefully. Patience is one of the hardest parts of winemaking—but also one of the most rewarding. If all goes according to plan, after a cool, hopefully calm winter, both the Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah should be ready to bottle before next summer. Come out to the October 21st Wine Evaluation Seminar, where Hank and Aaron will lead us through the next tasting/judging at a location TBD (details will be posted on the CCHVA Events Page soon). Our last Wine Evaluation Seminar, tasting Rose, at Alma Rosa Winery was so much fun! And that’s really what CCHVA is all about. We get to experience the entire journey—from vineyard to glass! Cheers! Joe Clemmer President, CCHVA |
