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Springtime in the Vineyard – Bud Break Triggers Anticipation 
 
Under the shadow of the Coronavirus health crisis, Calistoga wineries are continuing work on last year’s vintages, as well as managing the vineyards in preparation for the 2020 harvest. Spring in the vineyards is the time for bud break, expressed by dormant vines sprouting to life.

Yes … it’s time to raise a glass to the birth of a new vintage in Calistoga. 
 
The annual grape-growth cycle begins with bud break. This is the time when tiny leaves appear on the vine tips setting the stage for photosynthesis, which creates the energy for growth. “For winemaking at this level, an early bud break provides one of the greatest luxuries you could hope for … time,” notes Nick Bleecher, Winemaker at Jericho Canyon Vineyard.
 
“At this point there is little we can do about bud break but sit back and watch the weather,” says Cary Gott, owner of Vineyard & Winery Estates, who oversees winemaking at Davis Estates. Like all winemakers, Cary is concerned about the vulnerability of the nascent fragile shoots, which are very susceptible to damage from spring frost or hard rains. 
 
He explains the hillside vineyards are more protected, versus on the valley floor where wineries often need help to prevent cold air from settling on the vines. “Many of our vineyards have frost protection from wind machines or sprinklers,” says Cary.
 
Nick adds, “In vineyards like ours, with rapid elevation change and a set amount of water for the season, you have to trust in the topographical advantage of the canyon … allow the freezing air to flow off the slopes and away from the tender buds following the path of least resistance down Jericho Creek.” 
 
With luck it will be a healthy bud break and the cool spring will lead to a warm summer and a bountiful harvest. Here’s to the 2020 vintage … Cheers! 
 
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Davis Estates: https://www.davisestates.com/
Jericho Canyon:   https://www.jerichocanyonvineyard.com/
Beyond Cab – Three Calistoga Grapes to Explore and Enjoy 
 
The legendary Cabernet Sauvignon of the Calistoga AVA are well-known by wine lovers worldwide. However, visitors are often surprised during journeys to the “Top of the Valley” to discover the quality of other varieties gaining in popularity and respect. Three stellar reds to seek out when visiting Calistoga wineries include: Charbono, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel.

Charbono – There are about 76 acres of the Charbono vines planted in California and 45 are in the Calistoga AVA. Obviously, the red grape thrives in the region’s volcanic soil producing wines with medium acid, robust tannins and fairly low alcohol levels of about 13%. Known as a “spaghetti-red,” the age-worthy wine pairs perfectly with Italian cuisine. Charbono wines can be found at:
 August Briggs Winery
Shypoke Cellars
Summers Estate Wines
Tofanelli Family Vineyards
Von Strasser Family of Wines
 
Petite Sirah – Neither petite, nor Syrah, the hearty red wine offers rich flavors, powerful tannins and sweet plum and blackberry flavors. Often described as inky and chewy, Petite Sirah flourishes in the Calistoga AVA and can be enjoyed at the following wineries:
 August Briggs Winery
Bennett Lane Winery
Chateau Montelena Winery
Coquerel Family Estate Wines
Dutch Henry Winery
Hindsight Wines
Kenefick Ranch
Shypoke Cellars
Tofanelli Family Vineyards
Tom Eddy Winery
Vincent Arroyo Winery
Von Strasser Family of Wines
 
Zinfandel – Another robust red, Zinfandel has a sizeable following, as consumers enjoy the bright, jammy, fruit-forward flavors. Zin lovers also appreciate that there are two sides to the grape – there’s the popular big and brawny expression, but winemakers also craft the wine in a leaner, more elegant style. Calistoga wineries offer a number opportunities to enjoy Zin:
 Amici Cellars
August Briggs Winery
Ballentine Vineyards
Barlow Vineyards
Chateau Montelena Winery
Dutch Henry Winery
Shypoke Cellars
Sterling Vineyards
Storybook Mountain Winery
Summers Estate Wines
Tofanelli Family Vineyards
Tom Eddy Winery
Vincent Arroyo Winery
Von Strasser Family of Wines
Upcoming Events

Calistoga Food & Wine - Cancelled 
 The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has forced the cancellation of the 2020 Calistoga Food & Wine tasting weekend in May.
 
Calistoga Wine Experience  
Sept. 12, 2020 – Save the Date 
 Celebrate harvest in Calistoga at a premier tasting event at the top of Napa Valley featuring a wide selection of wines from 30 Calistoga wineries. It’s the 5th annual Calistoga Wine Experience on Saturday, Sept. 12, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Pioneer Park. More details to come including ticket information. 
Calistoga Wine Growers Welcomes New Members
 
Check out the newest wineries to join the Calistoga Wine Growers, which is dedicated to promoting the wines of the Calistoga AVA. 
__________

Stellareese Wines
Varietals include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache. https://stellareesewine.com/

Montgomery Vineyard
Varietals include Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Sauvignon Blanc. https://montgomeryvineyard.com/
 
Special Calistoga Wine Promotion
 
During this difficult time, our wineries would like to offer you a taste of Calistoga--what better way to shelter at home than with a glass of Calistoga wine!

Below is a list of Calistoga wineries with links to their websites. The wineries in red have special promotions at this time, while the other Calistoga wineries may be offering other wine deals and/or shipping discounts.


2880 Wines
August Briggs Winery
Baldacci Family Vineyards/Stella Knight Vineyard
Ballentine Vineyards
Barlow Vineyards
Bragg Vineyards
CAMI Vineyards
Canard Vineyard
Chateau Montelena
Clos Pegase
Davis Estates
Eisele Vineyard
Fairwinds Estate Winery
Fisher Vineyards
Girard Winery
Heritage School Vineyards
Hindsight Wines
Huge Bear Wines
Jax Vineyards
Jericho Canyon Vineyard
Jones Family Vineyards
Kaiser Family Winery
Kenefick Ranch Vineyards
Knighton Family Vineyards
La Sirena Wine
Next Door Wine
Olabisi Wines
Paoletti Estates Winery
Phifer Pavitt Wine
Poggi Wines
Sebright Cellars
Shypoke Cellars
Stellareese Wines
Sterling Vineyards
Storybook Mountain Vineyards
Summers Estate Winery
Switchback Ridge
The Grade Cellars
Tofanelli Family Vineyards
Tom Eddy Winery
Twomey Cellars
Von Strasser & Lava Vine Wineries
Voros Cellars
Weppler Vineyards
Stay safe and well, and we look forward to seeing you here again in the future!






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Calistoga WineGrowers · P.O. BOX 1299 · Calistoga, CA 94515 · USA

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