In the Vineyards...

Vine Pruning...

It's time to prune the vines.  To me, this is always a fun time because it represents the beginning of a new vintage of wines ... and anything is possible!  It's exciting to be starting the process all over again. 

We had a couple of new twists for this year's pruning.  First, we used a pre-pruning contraption to sort of shred the canes at about 6-8" long.  This saves some labor pulling the cut canes off of the wires.  Second, beause of our powdery mildew problem last year (yikes!) we had to spray, right after pruning,  with an oil based spray to kill the mildew spors.  We'll be spraying for mildew like fiends this year so that we don't repeat last years heartbreak.

So, check out this pre-pruning contraption...

 So, after all the pruning is done, here are the vines.

Harvesting Leucadendron...

It's that time of year again.  We started harvesting the Leucadendron last week.  We'll put together about 400 bunches each week for the next 4-5 weeks.  We begin with 36" stems and the final harvest will be with 22-24" stems.

Come Back to Merlot....

Merlot took an unfair beating as a result of the hit movie 'Sideways'.  The character played by Paul Giamatti, in a fit of rage, exclaims he will NOT drink a Merlot! This one little 10 second scene damaged the Merlot market around the world; and now, eight years later, Merlot still struggles for respect.

Here is the irony ... The mystery wine he talks about throughtout the film (Cheval Blanc) is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc.  It's considered one of the great wines of the world.

It's time to move beyond 'Sideways' and embrace Merlot as one of the great historic varietals.  (contributed by Patrick Bartlett)

This picture says it all...  You can get a free taste of our new 2009 Merlot at The Collective in Old Town through the month of February.  Also, if you order 2 or more bottles online, we'll pay the shipping.  Surprise someone you love.      

As long as you are being romantic, try a new recipe for Veal Picatta created especially for our new Merlot by Patrick Barlett (our resident chef & wine lover).  Listen to this... Veal Cutlets with Tarragon Scented Shallot and Currant Cream Sauce.  WOW!  

For the complete recipe, with prep instructions and some truly wonderful pictures of the process, use this link: VEAL PICATTA

2009 Merlot Tasting Notes: Our 2009 Merlot is a stunning example of finessed elegance.  This mid-weight wine offers a swirling array of bright cherries, currants, violets and plums.  The first sip confirms the bouquet quickly entering into a mid palate of soft spices, a velvety mouth feel and subtle smooth leather.  It lingers in the finish with added herbal notes of tarragon, anise and a rounded end of vanilla and spice.  (Poetic isn't it?)

March Pick Up Party and More ...

March Pick Up Party

It's that time again!  In keeping with tradition, our March Pick Up party will be at The Collective and will coincide with the Spring Rod Run.  Maybe Gary's '56 Ford will be together enough to make it!

Date: Friday, March 9

Time: 5-7 pm

Location: The Collective 

Use this link to RSVP

Wine & Music Festival

The 8th annual Wine & Music Festival is coming to Vail Lake on April 28.  Gary and I will be there pouring Woodworth wine and enjoying some great music in a beautiful setting.  Hope you can join us!  You can read more about this great event at WINE & MUSIC.

Here some good news...Woodworth wiine club members will get a 10% discount on Festival tickets.  We'll keep you posted on how to take advantage of this good deal.

Blessing of the Vines

We are looking forward to our third annual Blessing of the Vines.  The event will be in May and we're looking at either Sunday May 6 or 13.  So, keep this in mind and we'll have the information available in the next newsletter.

July Pick Up Party

Our July Pick Up Party will be a BBQ and Potluck here in the vineyards.  Date to come.

and More..

 We're working on plans for a 'Farm to Fork' dinner at a local organic ranch sometime in the fall, and a holiday social at Christmas time.  So stay tuned!

Woof Notes...

Hope you enjoyed this month's newsletter.  If so, please forward to a friend.  You can check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/woodworthvineyards.  Or, send us an email at WineLover@WoodworthWine.com.

Happy Valentines!

Gary & Marlene