Winemaking Update
ANDY ROBINSON | WINEMAKER
Throughout my wine journey, I’ve often been fascinated by the nuanced cycles of the growing season. My roots lie in the Northeast, where each season pronounced its arrival and departure with a flair, fueling an anticipation for what the next would bring. Northern California, particularly our Sonoma estate, isn’t much different. Its subtleties whisper the changes, and this year has sung a similar tune.
There’s something enchanting about summers that aren’t scorched in persistent heat – think of the family gatherings on evenings when Zinfandels feel just right with the BBQ. This summer’s gentle embrace, with its cool summer nights, hinted at a moderate August start. Our harvest timelines have gracefully slid back to the comforting cadence of mid-September. Over the years, I’ve come to cherish the rain, but always silently hope it lingers just until after the harvest. This ensures our grapes mature impeccably, devoid of the challenges posed by botrytis, mildew, and mold.
Within our winery walls, these cycles manifest distinctly. Spring beckons racking and blending, while summer heralds bottling, paving the way for the incoming vintage. Gone are the days of linear planning. Today, we weave cushions into our strategy, anticipating packaging delays, transit hiccups, and potential labor shortfalls. Yet, with our meticulous planning, foresight, and a remarkably efficient crew, we stand on schedule this season.
But it’s the expansive annual cycles that truly captivate me. Amidst managing the present, our eyes constantly gaze into the horizon, contemplating which vineyards to sow next, their orientation, and the varieties they’ll embrace. We ruminate over climate shifts, evolving consumer preferences, labor dynamics, and our commitment to crafting wines that echo the distinct character of our vineyards. As we gear up for the 2023 harvest, we’re reminded that these grapes are the legacy of the dedication, experience, and vision of the five preceding generations of our Seghesio family.
