February 2010

Cupid’s day marked the start of the new wine tourism season with a Red Wine & Chocolate extravaganza.  We were open extra days and showcased Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Merlot.  And, of course, hearty morsels of rich chocolate paired with the wine.

With Valentine’s Day a recent memory, we turn our thoughts to the bottling of ’09 white wine. Bottling new wine brings up all sorts of logistical challenges.  Inventory of wine, bottle supply, corks, capsules, and labels.  Final lab tests for stability to heat and cold exposure, alcohol levels and residual sugar.  Of course, blending to taste; filtering for clarity and sanitation.  Finally, we will end with the scheduling of Bill Hamlin for custom bottling.

We always look forward to bottling with both expectations and apprehension.  First of all, we are treated to another day with bottler Bill who spends his days traveling the state, working for many of the hundreds of boutique wineries Washington is famous for.  Bill’s experience and organization are very valuable to all of us who use his talents and equipment.  Thanks Bill Hamlin.

Along with the whir and clang of the bottling line is the attendant roll out of the year’s effort.  So gratifying to bring the product to life!

- Mike