The Petaluma Gap Wine Growers Alliance
Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance Newsletter
Issue: #19April 2014
In This Issue
Upcoming Events
Down to Earth Month!
February Rains Not Enough
Member News
The Glass Does Matter!
April Educational Seminar

 

 

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Clary Ranch 
Upcoming Events

 

Sonoma in the City 

Wed. April 2, New York City

Petaluma Gap wines will be among many featured wines from Sonoma County. Click HERE for locations and event info.

 

April Educational Seminar

Tuesday, April 22, 2014
Scott Laboratories Cork Facility Tour (see article at right for more info)

 

  

April is Down to Earth Month!

The Wine Institute - the trade association for wineries throughout California - created Down to Earth Month to celebrate the industry's commitment to sustainable and other eco- and community-conscious winegrowing and winemaking practices. California has one of the most widely adopted Sustainable Winegrowing programs in the world with wineries and vineyards representing more than 70 percent of California's winegrape acreage and production committed to practices that benefit the environment, employees and neighbors-and high quality wine.



February Rains Are Not Enough

Bud break comes early to the Petaluma Gap
After one of the driest Decembers and Januarys on record in northern California, February rolls in as the 13th wettest February on record with over 10 inches of rain. However, while that was enough moisture to bring some green to our hills and valleys and partially fill otherwise empty vineyard ponds and reservoirs, it was not enough to make a significant dent in the water needs for winegrape frost protection and summer irrigation. And now with March temperatures sneaking up close to 80 degrees, bud break is already in progress -- nearly 3 weeks earlier than normal. The early bud break means a greater risk of frost damage to the young shoots if overnight temperatures dip into the 30s. What little water was collected from the February rains is not likely to meet all the frost protection needs if an extended period of cold weather sets in. For more information on the water situation and early bud break, please see the recent article in the Press Democrat.
Member News

Keller Estate
Keller Estate will be holding a Spring Library Sale from April 10 to April 24, featuring discounts on many wonderful older vintages pulled from their library. Included will be:

  - 2006-2008 Precioso Pinot Noir

  - 2007-2008 Precioso Chardonnay

  - 2007-2009 La Cruz Syrah

  - 2008 La Cruz Chardonnay

  - 2009 El Coro Pinot Noir

  - 2003 Brut Sparkling

  - 2009 Pinot Gris

  - 2007 Peninsula Pinot Noir

  - 2009 Peninsula Chardonnay

 Contact Marcus Herman at [email protected] for more details.
 
Guarachi Family Wines
was recently invited to pour its Guarachi Family Wines Sonoma Coast (Petaluma GapPinot Noir 2010 at the prestigious Wine Spectator Grand Tour event series, for the 2nd year in a row. Event information can be found at:

Ace Promotional Specialties

PGWA Associate Member ACE Promotional Specialties, Inc. started back in 2001 providing decorated apparel and over time has added a full line of advertising specialties and signage. They service the local business community with a wide range of products to enhance visibility and promote business. Their diverse clients include wineries & breweries, restaurants & food manufacturers, schools & sports teams, public and private events, and businesses large and small. They offer in-house graphic design, and printing for all types of apparel and accessories. From T-shirts to totes, caps and hats, trade show and store displays, writing utensils and workplace items, glassware and beverage accessories, banners and stickers, these are just a few ways to reach your customers. Owner Ace Yurth listens to what their clients need, and works with them to create promotions that succeed. 

Does the Glass Really Matter?

Riedel Wine Seminar
Yes, the glass matters! Forty participants enjoyed an evening of experiencing wine in Riedel glassware

On March 20, a representative from Riedel, one of the leading crystal glassware companies, was our host for an enlightening exploration of how glass shape really does influence wine aroma and taste. The wines that we showcased in the seminar were:

  • Guarachi Family Wines Pinot Noir
  • Kastania Vineyards Cabernet Franc / Cabernet Savignon Blend 
  • Armagh Vineyard Syrah 
Based on participant feedback, we will probably offer this seminar on an annual basis. Comments included:
  • "We had such a good time last night!"
  • "Thanks to everyone for a magical evening - the setting, the learning and THE WINE!"
  • "Wow, it was wonderful and I was amazed what a difference the glass made!"
April Educational Seminar :  Put a Cork In It!

On Tuesday, April 22nd, the PGWA has scheduled a tour of the cork facility at Scott Laboratories, 2277 Pine View Way, Petaluma. This is a technical tour reserved for wine industry personnel and serious home winemakers. 

 

Date and Location: The seminar will begin at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2014 at Scott Laboratories, 2277 Pine View Way, Petaluma.

 

RSVPs and Cost: Class size is limited to only 10 attendees, so preference will be given to those who are PGWA industry members. The tour is free for PGWA members, while the cost is $15 for non-member wine industry personnel. Please RSVP by sending an email to Cecilia Enriquez at [email protected].