Counting chickens

  Count these Clusters!  Yes,  I know  these chickens are long from being  hatched . The safety of the barn is still 5 months hence, but given providence and due propitiation it will be another great year for Pinot Noir. I will be looking at the other varieties that emerge from dormancy over the next week. 


  

Spreading the Wealth

Every harvest we send our grape pomace to to be composted at  Santa Rosa's composting plant on Llano Road.  In late winter  back it comes.  Here we are spreading the rich compost on our young Pinot noir vineyard at  our Home Ranch on Occidental Road. Sustainability in action.

  

Draining and Pressing Pinot Noir

After draining and pressing our half ton pilot fermentation yesterday, we decided to press the tanks a little sweeter; so, 11 tons of Home Ranch Pinot were pressed today, and the last four tons will be pressed tomorrow.

Photo 1: Chilo harvesting Pinot from the Home Ranch.

Phot 2: Fermenting Pinot at the end of a pump over.

Photos 3 & 4: After draining the wine from the tank (3), the pomace is shoveled into bins and put into the press (4).

Photo 5: Juan keeping an eye on things.

Photo 6: Young Pinot draining from the Diemme Press


  
  
  
  
  
  

Mmmmm Pinot...that's what the birds think too!

When the bird nets go on, that means harvest is just around the corner :)