BELTANE RANCH | Working Ranch in Sonoma Valley | Announcing First Estate-Grown Wine
Lush Spring Flowers in front of the historic ranch house at Beltane
Hello friends of Beltane!
Welcome to the Spring 2010 newsletter. We are writing to keep you up to date on all the happenings on the ranch and share some new photos of the season.
Beltane Ranch 2009 Estate Vineyard Sauvignon BlancBeltane Ranch Estate Vineyard Wine
We are very pleased to announce the release of our first Beltane Ranch private label wine, 2009 Estate Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc. Bright, crisp and full-bodied, it offers flavors of honeydew melon, lemon curd and hint of spice. It may be ordered online to be shipped to many locations and is on the wine list at several of our fabulous local restaurants. This exciting new wine business is the project of Rosemary's grandchildren, Alex and Lauren. The wine is made with 100% Beltane Ranch estate-grown grapes from our historically notable sauvignon blanc vineyard pictured below. Read more about the project on our new wine website.
Sauvignon Blanc Vineyards at Beltane Ranch
Water going over the dam at the Beltane pondHeavy Winter Rains Make for a Lush Spring
Much needed heavy rains this winter allowed for a colorful and lush garden this spring and filled the irrigation pond for spring vineyard frost protection. The vineyards look particularly lush at this early stage and the cattle are enjoying the knee-deep green pastures.

   Spring Gardens at Beltane RanchRose at Beltane
Guess what? We've finally joined the 20th century (sort of) and we are now taking online reservations! And credit cards!
(but we'd still love to have you call and talk to us!)
Chickens roaming the olive orchard at BeltaneChickens in the Olives and New Baby Calves!
Our flock of heritage breed laying hens are now over a year old and during the day they can be found pecking around the olive orchard.  See how much they've grown since last spring! We also have two new calves, happily mowing the front pasture with their mums. They are Shorthorn cattle, one of the oldest recognized breeds in the world, imported to the US in 1783.
Baby chicks feeding at Beltane Spring 2009

Shorthorn Cattle at Beltane Ranch
Breakfast in the garden at Beltane RanchPRODUCE REPORT
Its been a nice spring with bountiful harvests of asparagus, onions, broccoli, Swiss chard and arugula but we are really looking forward to summer's harvest. After a wet spell, our heirloom stone fruit orchard has finally flowered and set, so we have lots of cherries, nectarines, peaches and more to look forward to. Our tomatoes and squash went in this week and our melons, cucumbers and corn are next. Victor's 2010 quest for the county's largest pumpkin title has begun in the greenhouse and this year's contenders will be transferred to their location in front of the white picket fence next week. We will keep you posted on their progress.
Flowering fruits at Beltane Asparagus at Beltane Spring Onions at Beltane
CONGRATULATIONS to  Keith & Vanessa and Wendy & Kevin!
Their beautiful Beltane weddings were featured in Spring 2010 Martha Stewart Weddings and Today's Bride!
Martha Stewart Weddings Cover 2010Vanessa and Keith in Martha Steward WeddingsWendy and Kevin's Wedding in Today's Bride
Bob in the SpringAsk Bob
Art from Boulder:
Hey Bob, What do you think of those heifers over at the Kunde Ranch?
Bob:
Art, funny you should ask. They are darn cute and I've been hearing their siren call, so last week I slipped through a hole in the fence and went on over there. Unfortunately after a stroll past the Drummond Winery ruins I got herded home. If you head over there to taste their new Sangiovese, take a picture of those ladies for me!

Kaori:
You always look so lonely - why don't you have any friends?  Can you ask the folks at the Beltane nicely if they could get you a friend or two so you're not so alone all the time? -Kaori
Bob:
Hi Kaori! Thanks for looking out for me. Truth is what makes me happiest is grass and scratches, but I'm pretty happy about my new shorthorn friends.  Come visit and don't forget to say hi!

Got a Question for Bob?  Email him!
Thanks so much for checking out what's new at Beltane Ranch.  We welcome your questions and comments and hope to see you at the ranch soon!
     -The Beltane Ranch Family

Beltane LogoBeltane Ranch family






Draft horses in the pasture at Beltane
IN THIS ISSUE
Wine Release!
Online Reservations
ASK BOB
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