The vines are surprisingly lush this spring. I expected a less productive season after our dry winter and thought I would have less work at the  beginning of the growing period. Not so. I have been in the vineyard every day this month – Anita too. We are “shoot training,” removing unwanted shoots and clusters from the plants (see The Oxford Companion to Wine, p.628). Of course, it has been in the upper 90’s. We start early and quit by lunchtime.

Our vines would produce up to twenty pounds per plant if we let them. We are removing at least one third of the fruit and shoots even though the clusters are only about thumb size. We wil cull again during the growing season and finally at harvest. We want between four and six pounds of fruit per plant so a lot of fruit must be “dropped.” In our case less means more …more flavor, color, depth and complexity.

After twenty-two months on the oak, our 2010 blends will go into the bottle in mid-August. Anita’s Blend and our “Jazzin’” Zinfandel Blend will be our first estate produced wines and will be offered through our club, Salute La Famiglia. We will ship to members the first week of November. If you wish to become a member, please go to www.www.enfoldwines.com/wine-club/ and sign up.

We hope your spring is as beautiful and bountiful as ours has been. Please visit us this summer in Paso Robles or come to harvest in October and join in the “Lucy Stomp.” To read about the fun you can expect, go to www.www.enfoldwines.com/enfold-blog/.

Salute la Famiglia,