Even though the grapes are fast asleep in their winter dormancy and the 2023 vintage is barrel aging in the cellar, the start of 2024 has kept us very busy on the farm and at the winery. Following one of our latest grape harvests on record, we also had one of our latest olive harvests on record. Typically, olive harvest commences about one month after the end of grape harvest and that had us harvesting our olive groves in early December. Just like our 2023 grape crop we are happy to report the resulting extra virgin olive oil exhibits the benefits of having such a long hang time on the tree, already showcasing its fine, delicate flavors we have come expect from our olive oils over the years.

Now in January, with all of our harvests behind us and Michael and Andrew busy prepping for their winter bottlings, more good news has arrived from The San Francisco Chronical Wine Competition with the announcement of this year’s winners. I am pleased to announce that we have seven more gold medals to add to our medal count! Our 2022 Chardonnay American Oak, 2022 Sparkling Brut Rose, 2021 Carneros Merlot, 2022 Merlot Reserve, and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon all took Gold Medals, with our 2022 Carneros Chardonnay winning Double-Gold, “Best of Class.” Hailed as California’s most prestigious wine competition, our wines have always won the hearts of judges there, with our wines receiving Gold Medals (or better) every year since entering the competition for the first time in 2005. Congratulations to our winemakers Michael and Andrew!

You will have an opportunity to try these award-winning wines at two different upcoming events. One opportunity will be February 23rd, 24th & 25th at our “Bud-Break Jubilee” event. This is our annual February event where both wine club and futures members are invited to the winery to pick-up their first club shipment of 2024 or 2022 Red Futures wines. All who come to pick up their wines are treated to an afternoon of wine and barrel tastings and light bites prepared by my sisters Mara and Carrie and their catering company Aunt Momos. RSVP is required for the Bud Break Jubilee event. Another chance to try these wines will be at the SF Chronicle Public Tasting Event at the Fort Mason Center Event on February 17th, 2024. Go here for more details: https://winejudging.com/public-tasting/.

I look forward to catching up with all of you at these upcoming events and my family hopes you enjoy all of the great wines included in this winter club shipment.