Norton Grape Cluster, Take 2

When I took this picture this morning, I didn't think there had been much growth, but then looking at last week's picture, the change is subtle, but noticeable.

A Picture A Week

I would like to post a picture of this bunch of Norton grapes once a week, hopefully on Fridays. I took this picture last Friday, and you can see I'm already late, but I have good intentions. I think it will be fun for you and I to see the weekly progression of a bunch of grapes.

Stay posted.

Bud Break Update

While I was out in California judging at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition we had bud break here in the vineyard. It was probably around April 24rd or 24th, which is a little late. We have had a very wet and cold spring, which is fine with us considering the warm March we had last year, and then the sad Easter freeze.

We did have a light frost on April 29th this year, and some of our newly planted Catawba grapes got hit, but you can see from the picture on the left, they they are rebounding. You can see the brown, wilted growth that was frost bitten, and then you can see the new pink and green growth, including a new pink bud right where the frost hit. Pretty interesting. Grapes want to grow, they want to survive, and if they can find a way, they will, as this picture clearly indicates.

This is a picture of a tiny Vignoles cluster already formed. You can see this cluster has a shoulder, which is the smaller part of the cluster on the left. You have probably seen shoulders on grapes you buy in the grocery store also. If not, look for it next time.

This is a picture of the Seyval blanc grapes growing over the hill. All the new growth looks so crisp and green. Soon the canes will hang down over the top wire and leaves and tendrils and grapes will be everywhere.

Progressive Dinner

The Wineries of Ste. Genevieve
Present

“Progressive Dinner” Weekend on Ste. Genevieve’s Wine Trail
Saturday June 14th & Sunday June 15th, 2008
11am - 5pm

Journey down Ste. Genevieve’s wine trail and treat yourself to fine wine
perfectly paired with a delicious “Progressive Dinner” course at each of our
distinctive wineries within our scenic region!

If your passport is stamped at all 5 wineries your name will be entered in a drawing for special giveaways!

A little more than an hour’s drive from St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, journey through the rolling hills,
big skies and beautiful views of 5 unique wineries on the Route du Vin:

Sainte Genevieve Winery Cave Winery Chaumette Winery
Twin Oaks Winery Charleville Winery

Cost: $20/person until June 7th; $25/person after June 7th
(includes complimentary wine glass, and 10% off wine purchases made that day)

Please call for advance reservations Sainte Genevieve winery (800) 398-1298

Wine & Food Pairing Menu:
Sainte Genevieve Winery
Appetizer Course: Mini Quiches paired with their Estate Seyval Blanc

Cave Winery
Salad Course: Poppyseed Salad: Spring Greens, Strawberries, Walnuts &
Feta, paired with their Chardonel Off Dry

Chaumette Winery
Entree Course: Slow-Braised Beef Roast with Wild Mushrooms and
Broccoli Gnocchi, paired with their 2005 Anrie

Twin Oaks Winery
Cheese Course: A Selection of Fine Artisan Cheeses: American Cheddar, Italian
Provolone, Gouda, & Italian Fontina Cheeses, Seasonal Fruit, Toasted Nuts & Bread,
with their Chambourcin Dry Re d or their Traminette Dry White

Charleville Winery
Dessert Course: Rootbeer Floats made with Charleville Homemade Rootbeer,
paired with their Chardonel Off-Dry

Join us on the Route du Vin year round for these seasonal events!
November 22nd & 23rd, 2008: Wine Diva Weekend
February 14th & 15th 2008: Romancing The Grape Weekend

For more info, hours and directions, visit:
www.cavevineyard.com, www.chaumette.com,
www.twinoakswinery.com, www.saintegenevievewinery.com
www.charlevillevineyard.com

More Medals

I am happy to tell you the Blackberry and Cherry won Silvers at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition and the Cranberry and Cherry won silvers at the Tasters Guild International Wine Competition.