Gut Decisions

We’ve had sunny skies, warm days, cool nights and only 1” of rain during the past four weeks. I’d say that’s the best that a mid-Atlantic grower could ask for. Both grapes and winegrowers don’t like rain in September.

We initially planned to pick the entire vineyard at a relaxed and leisurely pace this upcoming week. The incoming rain was forecasted for Friday, so we thought we had time. But then the rained moved to Thursday. Then Wednesday. Now Tuesday night? Our fruit is ready, but we’re not!

Could the fruit hang through the rain? Maybe. But will it improve in the rain? Probably not. Could it rot? Depends. My gut tells me to pull the trigger, bring in what we have, and capitalize on these past four weeks of textbook ripening weather. It would be a shame to throw it all away.

So, we mobilized our entire crew, including tasting room staff, to help get the vineyard ready for the biggest two day stretch of picking and processing that we’ve ever done.

We start today. All hands on deck. Wish us luck!