The Grape Decision - 4.12.24

took a walk through memory lane tonight after a visit from some very good friends.  Our conversation landed on spring crush of Chilean grapes which lead me directly to my next step. It’s decision making time.

After my friends left and I performed my nightly ritual of a few video games of Harry Potter and watching a little Graham Norton, I remembered writing about the Chilean grapes and a bit about Bordeaux style wines. When I scrolled through my blog to find the article,  I was absolutely floored by the fact that I have been writing my blog (Vintner’s Canvas) for 4 years now. 

 Follow this link to read about the history of Rebel Red. Rebel Red, made from Chilean grapes won my first Gold Medal as a commercial winery at the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition.

Communication with Frank, my grape guy, gave me the status of the Chilean grapes and they are beginning to harvest now.  Crush will be in the beginning to middle of May, so it takes about 1 month from vine to crush. This means there is pressure in making the grape decision.

When I look at the grape menu I get excited because I love winemaking so much, yet fear creeps in because it costs a fair sum of money to buy grapes, and pay for shipping. My decision also takes into consideration feedback from my wine friends (you). I think of what has sold, how much wine I can sell to recoup the outlay of money, and how I am going to sell it. Then with all of these thoughts and emotions rolling through my mind, crashing into each other like bumper cars, I have to make a decision.

This morning I looked at the grape menu like a kid in a candy store. Still a bit flimsy on the final decision, I am leaning toward a barrel of Rebel Red (Chilean), a tank of Bordeaux Blanc (South African)— my dream wine, and perhaps a Chilean Malbec.

Raise a glass to good grape decisions!

Sharon