Today’s is the eve of my 19th vintage at Tinhorn Creek. Technically, it might be my 181/2 vintage since my husband brought in the grapes in 1994 when I was finishing my studies at UC Davis–but I was on the phone and computer throughout.
Someone asked me last night, are you expecting any unusual difficulties this harvest? My response was “yes”. Every vintage I see things I have never seen before. This vintage will be the same.
The difference now from 19 years ago? I don’t worry about the challenges. Most are weather related and (although it has taken me years to figure this out) I cannot change the weather. Problems get solved. Even disastrous situations eventually fade to lessons learned.
My thoughts focus on employees working safe. Going home healthy.
Bring it!
Oldfield's Wanderings 
looking forward to hearing about this journey through the harvest. sounds like you had a blast of a good time at the vineyard last night. enjoyed some of the fruits of your vines and labour last week.
That is sweet of you to say! I will try to keep the blog updated during harvest–but most will probably go on twitter as usual
My grandmother who lived in Ohio cultivated grapes in her back yard. Every fall she canned grape juice and she always gave me a quart of unsweetened grape juice for my birthday. It was my favorite birthday gift every year. Thanks for the picture and the memories..
I love your blog. This is only my fifth vintage but I hear you! Every year has been interesting and always a challenge! It gets easier but I find I worry less because the harvest will be what it will be!
Sandra, as always, my thoughts are with you, especially for Harvest. I have always thought you do your best work when challenges pop up so I look forward to hearing this year’s solutions! May your weather hold up as it is in So.Co./Napa this year……so far!!!! sharon Regards to all.
I will do a special harvest dance in my living room. I can’t promise it will make any difference, but the thought of it may make you giggle. 🙂 Best wishes always. You’re one of the good ones Sandra …people AND wineries! Also, it’s great to hear your caring for the people with whom you work.
Wow…19th already. We have a great team here at Tinhorn led by you. It’s my favorite time of the year. See you on the crush pad.