Puppies For Sale

If you thought I was kidding about selling eggs ( I wasn't by the way) you can be sure I'm not kidding about selling these puppies. This is only half of them. My Dad's registered Border Collie had 8 puppies around Valentine's Day and they are (hopefully) on their way to other people's homes- like yours possibly? They're cute as can be. I think they have sold two and are keeping one, so that leaves 5, count them, 5 more puppies to sell. You want one? They are excellent at keeping critters out of your vineyard. Their mom, Cassie, also chases shadows and water coming out of the hose and will give you a stick to throw for hours on end, Frisbees too.

Hand Pruning

After Dad trims the vines with the hedger, we then have to go back through the vineyard and tidy up. This is what we are doing today. We have to get rid of all the rachii, and dead wood because they can breed disease.

Display

Ste. Genevieve is revamping their Tourist Information Center. It will now be called the Welcome Center. Every month different merchants, wineries, and artists will be able to put up a display in one of their many display cases. This is our display; we have the month of April and since this is the first month they are doing it, we set up a little early. You can see in the front middle we are displaying the original artwork for the new Cherry and Blackberry labels, painted my local artist Chuck Drost. There are also coupons for each display case, so when you are in Ste. Genevieve, make sure you stop by the new Welcome Center, check out the new displays, and grab a coupon. Can't wait to see you!

You know you can't live on a farm without chickens. They're laying eggs like crazy- anybody need a dozen?

Get Your Motor Running

As promised we are mechanically pruning this year. These pictures are very similar to pictures taken this time last year. Dad is driving the tractor all around the vineyard, back and forth, reaching both sides of every row of grapes, pruning, pruning, pruning. It is a gorgeous day here. Spring is fast approaching and there is much to do. After he finishes pruning, there is compost to scatter, and dormant spray to apply.

Check back again soon for more spring time vineyard happenings.

Jour de la Terre

The Wineries of Ste. Genevieve
Present
“Jour de la Terre (Earth Day)” on Ste. Genevieve’s Route du Vin
April 18 & 19, 2009
11am-5pm
Celebrate Earth Day this Spring on Ste. Genevieve’s wine trail! Each winery offers seasonal cuisine prepared with fresh spring herbs paired with their wines. Take home a complimentary herb seedling from each winery to start your own herb garden! Visit 6 wineries on Ste. Genevieve’s Route du Vin, as each winery will offer complimentary wine samples and special food pairings made with spring herbs for each ticket holder. If your passport is stamped at all 6 wineries your name will be entered in a drawing for “Jour de la Terre” 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 the 6 unique wineries on the Route du Vin:

Sainte Genevieve Winery

Cave Winery

Chaumette Winery
Twin Oaks Winery

Charleville Winery

Sand Creek Winery

Cost: $20/person until April 10, 2009; $25/person after April 10
(includes complimentary wine glass, and 10% off wine purchases made that day)
Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Sainte Genevieve Winery:
800-398-1298, through our website RDVWine Trail , or in the tasting room of participating wineries. Tickets are non refundable after April 10, 2009.

Wine & Food Pairing Menu:
Sainte Genevieve Winery:
Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms with Parsley Paired with Ste. Gemme
Charleville Winery:
Italian Pasta Salad with Oregano Dressing Paired with Chambourcin
Chaumette Winery:
Basil Pesto Marinated Chicken Skewers with Spring Carrot Salad Paired with 2007 Estate Chardonel
Twin Oaks Winery:
Homemade Salsa with Fresh Veggies & Cilantro Paired with Traminette
Cave Winery:
Grandma Strussione's Anise Biscotti & Pizzelles paired with Chardonel Off Dry
Sand Creek Winery:
Smoked Salmon Tar Tare' Dill Spread on Bagel Crisps Paired with Sweet Chardonel

Join us on the Route du Vin year round for these seasonal events!
3rd Weekend in April 2009: Jour de la Terre (Earth Day)
3rd Weekend in May 2009: Progressive Dinner
3rd Weekend in November 2009: Wine Diva Weekend
2nd Weekend in February 2010: Romancing the Grape
For additional info, hours, and directions visit: RDV Wine Trail