On March 17, about 75 friends helped us plant Heron's Flight Vineyards (a couple dozen actually planted!) Now almost six weeks later the shoots are beginning to appear out the grow tubes. We have selected our trunk and tied it off to the stakes. All other growth was removed from the vine. About half the vines we have tied off to the cordon wire and on many we have begun the cordon.
Our goal this year is to establish the cordon. During the dormant season of next winter the trunks and cordons will harden off. Next year the shoots will come off the cordons and we will allow the vine to carry fruit.
The vineyard, Heron's Flight, was named by Sophia Bouvier. For her outstanding name Sophia received a bottle of 2002 Silver Oak Cabernet and one of our first bottles of wine etched with our label. My first vintages, a 2006, Merlot and Cabernet are turning out quite well. We purchased 200lbs. of grapes in 2006.
Wow, we are now officially wine growers. The past few days I think I have been more farmer than anything else. It's great to work among the vines.
Our wine label was inspired by our home. Rectilinear with the colors of the costal sage.
