Buy Local.

So, we're swimming in Christmas Plum over here. I was kind enough to not talk about it until after Thanksgiving, but there is no escape now. I am happy to say that our Christmas Plum seems to be everywhere in the southeast part of Missouri. It is made from 100% fresh plums, and is sweet with a hint of spice that is not added. IMO, this is the perfect gift. I have a guy friend who buys at least a case every year so he doesn't have to muddle through the mall. He gives one to everyone on his list, and I think this is a mighy fine idea. I plan to give one to everyone, my mail person, my UPS man, my hairdresser, my priest. It's a no brainer. Most everyone likes wine, most everyone likes a regional product, and most everyone likes to spend a small amount of money. ;)

Our Christmas Plum label. This scene was painted by one of the most talented artists around, Chuck Drost and is a picture of my dad's farm house in the snow. Chuck drew the plums too. They make me hungry for plums.

Christmas Plum at the Sam's Club in Cape Girardeau

The Christmas Plum on the end of an aisle in the Festus Walmart

The Christmas Plum among pies at the front of the Farmington Walmart

Humble Beginnings

The building where the first Sainte Genevieve Winery wine was made is getting torn down this week. It originated as a garage for the house, and was on the property when mom and dad bought it in 1967. I never remember too many cars actually parked in it though. The story I have heard is that my two brothers wanted to start a machine shop in the garage to fix cars and whatnot, so they bought some tools and poured a concrete floor. In December 1983 we received our official bonded winery license and the garage soon turned into the winery. My brother, Joe, played basketball in high school, so a basketball hoop was hung. Like any American pursuing the dream, my dad used what he had available to him, and that was the garage. We built barrel racks, cut a hole in the back room for an air conditioner, and I bottled more wine out there than I care to admit.

I read an article about a year or two ago in the Food and Wine Magazine about a little winery in the Amador foothills who ran their winery out of a garage, and the journalist made it seem so rustic and authentic, and I'm sure it was/is, but Dad and I couldn't help but chuckle. What some people found quaint, we found bothersome. It's all about perscpective, isn't it?

Now, we are in this new fangled building, and although it isn't beautiful, it is 1,000 more functional than that old building, and for that I am grateful everyday. I have an office/lab, and all my tanks indoors, and drains in the floors. It's a little winemaker's dream come true. I, for one, know I WILL NOT miss the old building, but I can't say the same for Dad.

This is the building where it all began.

Simple, but Brilliant

Last week, on November 14th, this blog was recommended by The Winery Website Report as being simple, but brilliant because I put a picture of the Cranberry label for you all to see and find in the stores. I'll take that compliment.

Entertaining You and Entertaining Me

Entertaining You:

This weekend is the first ever Wine Diva Passport Weekend along the Route du Vin. This is it! The excuse you’ve been waiting for! Get your sisters, girlfriends, coworkers - even your mother in law and come explore your Inner Wine Diva with us on the Ste. Genevieve Route du Vin! Heck, if your significant other isn’t hunting, bring him along! One and all are invited to come learn a little about our wines (and each other) and share a few laughs. This is a passport weekend giving you the opportunity to visit all 5 wineries on the Route du Vin Wine Trail. Each winery will offer complimentary samples of their wines as well as a special diva treat for each ticket holder. If your passport is stamped at all 5 wineries your name will be entered in a drawing for a Wine Diva Giveaway! Reservations can be made in advance by calling the Sainte Genevieve Winery at 800-398-1298. Tickets are $20 per person. Ticket price includes a complimentary Route du Vin wine glass and 10% discount off of purchases made that day. Here at the Sainte Genevieve Winery we are featuring Pastry Wrapped Brie with Cranberry filling, paired with our Cranberry wine. Come meet me in person, serving you delectables on Saturday.

Entertaining Me

I was introduced today to Gary Vaynerchuk's blog/website where he tastes wine and rates them on video. I am very entertained. I'm not sure if I'm laughing at him or with him, but nonetheless, I'm laughing. He takes wine tasting very seriously, but has fun with it too. You have to watch this episode and see if you aren't amused too.

Norton vineyard early Sunday morning

This our Cranberry label. This is what you are looking for in the stores. It has a really great Cranberry flavor, sweet, but a little tart, just like a real cranberry. It goes great with turkey, and it makes your family more bearable.

These last couple pictures aren't necessarily wine related, but they are location related. I figure if someone is looking at this blog from somewhere other than where the leaves turn colors, then they can see what November looks like in Missouri.

Fallen leaves

This is called the grape rachii. Since we machine harvest, the stems (rachii) are left attached to the vine. When we prune this winter, we will cut all these rachii off because dead wood can spread disease.

Autumn

I should have taken these pictures a week ago, the autumn colors were much more brilliant then. Anyway, here's a picture of our Chambourcin vineyard, with some nice yellow trees in the background.

This Norton vine is ready for a hair cut.