The Tejada vineyard is a good vineyard; it is a great location and had a good climate well suited for growing Grenache (and Tempranillo). Dave and I are grateful we have a chance to work with the Tejadas, they are easy to work with and fun tobe around.

With that being said, it was time to fine tune the vineyard. Last Saturday I left the house around 4:30 am to meet the vineyard crew up at the ranch by 6. Dave couldn't join me because he is neck deep in baby diapers, but I bet something tells me he was up at 4am as well.

I digress though because there was some work to be done at the vineyard, and we wanted to complete our task before the midday heat. As with all vines, ours were pushing out a few too many shoots for comfort. With too many shoots comes too many leaves, too much shading, too much vigor, etc… All around it can create a situation that can be tricky to deal with a harvest time.

I met the vineyard management crew at 6am and I must say this crew was on the ball, my hats off to Guinness. I showed them what I needed to have done, and the crew did a solid job through all the rows. From shoot thinning to shoot positioning, these guys were definitely applying Napa Valley thoroughness to the vineyard. And for that I am grateful for as well. The cliché is “the wine is made in the vineyard”, and it is true. It’s not only the vineyard soil and climate, but the farming practices as well.

Cheers!

Eric