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Upcoming Events
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- Petaluma Viticulture History Exhibit, Petaluma Historical Library & Museum
Sept. 21, 2014 to Jan. 11, 2015
- Petaluma Winegrowers Gala, Keller Estate Winery September 20, 2014 - Community Crush Celebration, Petaluma Historical Library & Museum September 27, 2014
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P-Gap in the News!
| Two Petaluma Gap pinot noirs -- Keller Estate El Coro and LaFollette Sangiacomo Vineyard -- featured as among the best of the 2012 vintage.
Wineries Growing in Penngrove |
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WINE QUOTES
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The University of Nebraska says that elderly people that drink beer or wine at least four times a week have the highest bone density. They need it - they're the ones falling down the most.
-- Jay Leno
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Winegrowers Gala and Museum Fundraiser
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Featured above is an image of a painting commissioned for the exhibits by local artist, Ginger Irwin. This beautifu; painting will be auctioned off at the Petaluma Winegrowers Gala.
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Savor the five course pairings of exceptional Petaluma Gap wines with local delicacies prepared by Preferred Sonoma Caterers. Learn the nuances of pairings from Master of Wine, Dr. Liz Thach.
Join us in honoring the Sangiacomo Family for bringing to light Petaluma's rich, historic wine heritage and their leadership in the resurgence of our local wine industry. Participate in the Live Auction, Champagne Diamond Prize and "Instant Cellar" raffle while enjoying the extraordinary view during this very special time of year . . . Harvest!
Your Designated Driver ... Complimentary Motor Coach service by Pure Luxury Transportation from the Petaluma Arts Center.
COCKTAIL ATTIRE, $150.00 per person
More Viticulture Events and Exhibits In addition to the Winegrowers Gala, the Petaluma Museum Association and the Petaluma Gap Winegrowers Alliance have scheduled a variety of events throughout the fall to celebrate Petaluma's Viticulture History & Heritage: A Celebration of Wine & Community. Events include a community crush celebration, a home crafted wine competition and awards dinner, and a cooperage demonstration. More information on these events is available here. |
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Petaluma Gap AVA
 The PGWA has recently begun the process of applying to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB) to establish the Petaluma Gap as a formally recognized American Viticultural Area (AVA). As currently envisioned, the Petaluma Gap AVA would overlap the southern portion of the Sonoma Coast AVA and would extend into northern Marin County.
What is an AVA? An American Viticultural Area is a defined grape-growing region having distinguishing features, a name, and a delineated boundary. The establishment of an AVA allows vintners to describe more accurately the origin of their wines to consumers, and, in turn, helps consumers to geographically identify wines that they may purchase.
How does an AVA get established? Any individual or entity may file a petition to the TTB to establish a new AVA or to modify an existing AVA. The basic components of an AVA petition are:
- Name Evidence to support the basis for the proposed name "Petaluma Gap."
- Boundary Evidence consistent with, and best supported by, the name, historical evidence, and distinguishing features.
- Distinguishing Features that differentiate the proposed AVA from what surrounds it in all directions. Such distinguishing features may include, but are not limited to, climate, geology, soils, and physical features.
- Maps and Boundary Description including a written description using, for example, political entity lines, highways, elevation contour lines, rivers, elevation points, human-made features, etc.
How long does it take and how much does it cost? The AVA petition process can take two years or longer, depending upon the complexity of the proposed AVA, the thoroughness of the petition, and whether there is organized opposition to it. While there is no fee for submitting an AVA petition, the cost of preparation, including technical consultants and legal support, can be as much as $25,000 or more. The PGWA has launched a fundraising campaign to cover these expenses. Currently, we anticipate submittal of the AVA petition in the first quarter of 2015. We will provide periodic updates of our progress in this Newsletter.
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Harvest Has Arrived!
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Harvesting at night has many benefits, including cooler working conditions for the workers.
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Harvest has arrived in wine country! You see the signs everywhere -- lights moving through vineyards at night, trucks loaded with bins traveling down the roads, tractors and equipment being transported from one ranch to another. After a season of nurturing grapevines, a grape grower's life and income hinges on these last few weeks.
Picking grapes at the right moment and delivering them to the winery in excellent condition is critical. The winemaker determines ripeness and maturity by measuring sugar, acid, and pH; watching for seeds to turn brown; and evaluating flavors. The winemaking process is usually easier if grapes come to the winery cold -- hence the night harvests you see going on. The picking crews prefer working at night also since the hard work is easier when the weather is cool, the wasps and yellow-jackets are asleep, and traffic noise is replaced by a serenade of owls and coyotes.
Harvest is a busy and stressful time for growers, winemakers, and vineyard workers, so we apologize for the lights; the clanking of tractors, mechanical harvesters, and forklifts; and the occasional loud singing and shouting of excited crews. It's an early harvest and will all be over in a few weeks. So keep in mind the final product (delicious Gap wine!) and know that we appreciate your understanding.
Thank you from the Winegrowers of the Petaluma Gap! |
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Member News
Keller Estate
 Keller Estate is now offering a unique wine tasting experience in their private Cave Room from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm every other Saturday. Each one of these tastings will be hosted by one of Keller Estate's Sommeliers. Join them Saturday, September 6th to learn about pairing basics, the regional influence, our palate profile, the flavor that one picks from oak, etc. Enjoy a culinary adventure and learn a few recipes! Space is limited (only 14 seats available). Please call Yvette Lincoln no later than noon Friday, September 5th to book a reservation. Phone: 707-765-2117. $60 per person (charged upon booking).
Sojourn Cellars
 Sojourn Cellars 2014 Fall Wine Release begins on September 9th. The Fall Release wines have received scores from Pinot Report ranging from 95 to 92 points. Visit sojourncellars.com for full wine details.
Guarachi Family Wines  Alex Guarachi, owner of Guarachi Family Wines, was recently featured in a story titled Wine 101 on The Latin Kitchen, available at THIS LINK. Guarachi Family Wines 2012 Gap's Crown Pinot Noir is currently featured in an online gallery on Wine Enthusiast's website titled 13 Great Pinot Noirs, available at THIS LINK.
McEvoy Ranch
McEvoy Ranch started their earliest harvest ever on August 25th with 2.5 tons or Pinot Noir for their 2014 Rose!
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