Harvest 2015 Getting Under Way

On Saturday, August 8th, we attended the Tero Estate's Block Party at the Windrow Vineyard. As we walked through the vineyard, we noticed veraison, the stage of maturation where red grapes change from green to purple. In the past week or two veraison has become evident elsewhere, and white wine grapes have already turned from green to gold. It appears that this year's harvest may be even earlier than last year's. The vines appear to have had little negative impact from the heat wave of July. If anything, current weather conditions are making for quick maturing of the grapes. Some whites are already being picked and others in the next week or two. Red grapes may begin harvesting as early as the first week of September.

 

Tero Estates Hosts a Block Party

Tero Estates Club Block Party was accompaned by lots of food, wine and fun, as well as veraison. The guests walked around the Windrow Vineyard in the South Valley sampling appetizers along with the 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2012 Cabernet Franc (to be released in Fall). Everyone then sat at the foot of the hill for a sit down dinner. pairing the 2014 Waters "Prelude" Roussanne-Viognier (to be reviewed in the September issue of the Review of Washington Wines), the 2009 Hill Block Cabernet, and the 2012 Flying Trout Mary's Block Malbec.

 

Lagana Cellars Holds an Industry Party

On Monday, August 10th, Jason Fox, owner-winemaker of Lagana Cellars hosted a special gathering for wine industry friends at the winery's tasting room on 6 East Rose Street. Wines poured included the 2013 Breezy Slope Pinot Noir (to be reviewed in the September issue. Also poured were the 2014 Sagemoor Vineyard Roussanne and 2013 Minnick Hills Vineyard Syrah (both reviewed June) and two 2013 whites, a Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. Congratulations to Jason for his new tasting room.

 

The Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Begins Tomorrow

Tomorrow afternoon, August 13th, the Gentlemen of the Road's Stopover, featuring Mumford and Sons and the Foo Fighters ensembles, along with many others, begins. Over 20,000 visitors are expected over the weekend, one of the biggest events ever held in Walla Walla. Headline events will be held at the Whitman College Athletic Field and downtown Walla Walla will be blocked off for other music events, some of them to be held in winery tasting rooms. It's going to be a busy time!