The Carnage After...
Pinot Festival last weekend was fantastic. And HOT. 95 or so at least on Saturday during the grand tasting. Two years in a row makes you believe in global warming. We had a few new wineries - LIOCO, Chronicle Wines, and Waits-Mast Family Cellars. I unfortunately only had a chance to try a few wineries, but I think overall a very strong group of wines and wineries this year.
On Sunday, May 17 (during the Pinot Festival) we had our grand opening here. We hired a local swing band, had antipasto platters, fruit, desserts, and a host of other foods. Many of our family friends came to help (thanks everyone!) and we originally were set up outside. By the time 11:00 a.m. rolled around it was already nearing 90 degrees, so we moved the party into the cellar.
For the rest of the day we ate, drank and made merry (well, those of us not working). It was an exhausting day, but well worth it. After three days of Pinot Festival, by this time I had moved on to a morning Red Bull. :)
Overall, our open house/grand opening was a huge success for us. We had hundreds of people through, evidenced by the racks and racks of glasses we had to wash throughout the day even though we rented extras in hopes that we wouldn't have to do dishes during the event. Sales were great, and we welcomed quite a few new wine club members into the family.
We were amazed that several groups told us we were one of the busiest tasting rooms in the valley on Sunday. Several of the older, better-known wineries were actually quite slow according to these visitors. I guess people were seeking out the new places to go and taste.
Now we're into memorial day weekend and it's busy again (a good thing). Joe and I are actually starting to plan our New Zealand honeymoon and are getting excited. On top of it, the summer growing season has commenced and the vines are starting to flower, so the cycle of activity begins again.
We love summer!
On Sunday, May 17 (during the Pinot Festival) we had our grand opening here. We hired a local swing band, had antipasto platters, fruit, desserts, and a host of other foods. Many of our family friends came to help (thanks everyone!) and we originally were set up outside. By the time 11:00 a.m. rolled around it was already nearing 90 degrees, so we moved the party into the cellar.
For the rest of the day we ate, drank and made merry (well, those of us not working). It was an exhausting day, but well worth it. After three days of Pinot Festival, by this time I had moved on to a morning Red Bull. :)
Overall, our open house/grand opening was a huge success for us. We had hundreds of people through, evidenced by the racks and racks of glasses we had to wash throughout the day even though we rented extras in hopes that we wouldn't have to do dishes during the event. Sales were great, and we welcomed quite a few new wine club members into the family.
We were amazed that several groups told us we were one of the busiest tasting rooms in the valley on Sunday. Several of the older, better-known wineries were actually quite slow according to these visitors. I guess people were seeking out the new places to go and taste.
Now we're into memorial day weekend and it's busy again (a good thing). Joe and I are actually starting to plan our New Zealand honeymoon and are getting excited. On top of it, the summer growing season has commenced and the vines are starting to flower, so the cycle of activity begins again.
We love summer!
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