Vineyard Update – November 2021

Vineyard Update

In the vineyards, we have our crews working to prep the vineyards for winter. This means planting our cover crop, taking down any bird nets left from harvest, and checking (and if necessary) repairing the trellis wire to be ready for the pre-pruning machine in January. Plus any other last minute cleanup that we need to finish before the snow flies.

Our crews have worked hard this year, putting in long hours to get all the work done before the freezing temps move in to put the vines to sleep for another year.

Cheers!

Mike & Patrick Williamson
The Vineyard Guys

Volunteer Spotlight

 

Hip and Anne Delgado have been volunteering in the vineyard for Williamson’s since 2020 brix testing. Whether testing brix or powering through cluster counting in the spring, they have been amazing vineyard warriors!

Both Hip and Anne come from a rural background, with Hip being raised in plum and apricot orchards and Ann enjoying her summers at her great grandfather’s farm in Michigan. When they moved to the Sunnyslope, they planted a couple grape vines on their property and wanted to learn more about vineyards.

They love big bold reds and think the Williamson Vineyards 2018 Cabernet is the perfect compliment to their favorite farm to table offerings. Anne says “It’s been a pleasure to serve our community, get to know the Williamsons and learn more about vineyard living.”
Thanks so much, Hip & Anne!

What Effect Could Smoke Have On Idaho Wine 2021?

The Idaho Wine Commission wrote an intriguing piece on smoke in Idaho vineyards for their blog. They sat down with Mike Williamson to find out about how smoke can be helpful and detrimental for Idaho grape growers. Read it here: Are Idaho grapes going up in smoke?

Climate change and it’s effect on Idaho vines

The Idaho Capital Sun wrote an interesting article about climate change and the apparent effects it may have on Idaho’s vineyards. They talked with a couple of Sunnyslope grape growers and an adjunct research scientist at Columbia University who studies drought and it’s effects on plants.

“As far as agriculture and climate change goes, wine is kind of the canary in the coalmine,” Benjamin Cook of Columbia University said. “It’s a perennial crop that sticks around every year, and it’s so sensitive to what’s happening with weather and the environment.”

Mike Williamson spoke to them about the importance of water conservation using drip irrigation, “We get better quality when we’re more water conscious, the fruit has better flavors, and you can get better colors,” Williamson said. “The trees and vines are both better balanced, and you get more intense flavors.”

Head on over to the fascinating article here: ‘Canary in the coalmine’: Climate change becoming big factor for Idaho winemakers

Idaho’s wine industry builds on its success

Brad Carlson of the Capital Press headed out to the Sunnyslope region to talk with grape growers about how the vineyard plantings have been increasing in acreage. Even with production steadily increasing since the 1990’s, Idaho still experiences more demand for Idaho grown grapes than supply. See what different growers had to say about the increasing quantity and quality of Idaho grapes.

Read the full article here: Way to Grow, Idaho wine industry

Virtual Happy Hour – July 8

Patrick and Teresa taste through our newest white wine releases. Check out the video where they talk about everything from the vines, to the 2020 weather and growing season to tasting notes on the 2020 Riesling, 2020 Viognier, 2020 Dry Rosé, and 2020 Albariño.  Grab a glass of your favorite and enjoy.

Idaho Wine Gets Noticed In The UK

Stacy Slinkard of Decanter wrote a glowing article about Idaho Wine in both value and atmosphere. In the article, readers are reminded that we are “sharing a similar latitude with Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon in southern France”. Must be one of the reasons why the Syrah & Cabernet taste so good!
Read the full article here: Idaho wine: fresh, fruit-forward and great value.

Sip & Save Showcase – Dry Riesling

Don’t miss out on our amazing offer! We’re changing it up every two weeks, until June 22, it’s our amazing 2019 Dry Riesling.
Available while supplies last.

To tantalize the taste buds, our tasting notes: This wine is a pale straw color and crystal clear.  It brings bright lemon zest, green apple, and Bosc pear on the aroma. There are hints of gooseberry playing with the tart apple on the mid-palate finishing with hints of lemongrass and savory dried grass.

Pick up a bottle (or two) of this featured wine from June 9 through June 22 at an amazing price!

Original price is $15.00 per bottle.
Discounts will apply at checkout, go to the webstore here.

Sip & Save Showcase – Cabernet Sauvignon

Don’t miss out on our amazing offer! We’re changing it up every two weeks, until June 8, it’s our amazing 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon.
Available while supplies last.

To tantalize the taste buds, our tasting notes: This wine is a clear and bright brick red in the glass. Aromas of intense dark red fruit, violet, cherry amaretto, sweet hay and earthy minerality greet the nose. The bright cherries in the beginning segue into a preserved cherry and earthy mid-palate with hint of oak on the finish. Tannins and acid are bright but balanced.

Pick up a bottle (or two) of this featured wine from May 26 to June 8 at an amazing price!

Original price is $32.00 per bottle.
Discounts will apply at checkout, go to the webstore here.