Labor of Love  

With Fall right around the bend, wine geeks and connoisseurs everywhere are beginning to turn their heads toward the richer styles that stand as icons of the colder months - Valpolicella, Barolo, Amarone; wines that can wrap you in their warmth and character and embrace you like an old friend, bringing anyone back to life even in the depths of the coldest winter. It is now, on our side of the equator at least, that things are really starting to happen in the vineyard. The long, hot days of August signify the coming of veraison, when the precious grapes that have soaked in the summer sun begin to ripen, becoming soft and deepening in color. All across Europe and the New World, vintners are making ready their cellars, calling on friends, neighbors, and family, and preparing for the harvest in the first weeks of September. Fortunately, here in this country we are given one last opportunity for a Summer hurrah - Labor Day.   READ MORE>