Skip to content

Uncategorized - 23. page

The AVA Celebration was a big success!

We had a great turnout for the AVA celebration Friday night.  I believe had nearly 120 people attend.

I would like to thank everyone who attended and helped make the event such a great success.

If you would like to look at the deck that was presented, please open this link: AVA Celebration Powerpoint

Below are some pictures that were taken at the event.  I want to thank Bill English and Leslie Ward for providing these:

Bill Scanlin

Uncategorized | admin |

Lamorinda Now a Name of Viticultural Significance
Published March 9th, 2016
Lamorinda Now a Name of Viticultural Significance
By Sophie Braccini
NOET Vineyards. Kristiina and Eero Teerikorpi planted Cabernet Sauvignon grapes two years ago. Photos Andy Scheck

After years of gathering data to demonstrate to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau that Lamorinda is indeed a distinctive region, local winegrowers were celebrating Feb. 24 after the TTB established the 29,369 acres of Lamorinda as an American Viticultural Area (AVA).
Ben Olsen, a Moraga real estate agent whose father has been growing grapes since the ’70s, thinks that the AVA adds credibility and that it can give agents some interesting opportunities, presenting the unique and special winemaking cottage industry to newcomers. “I don’t make wine myself,” he says, “but having that connection has both economic and historical relevance.”
Orinda businessman David Cronin was excited about what he calls a wonderful distinction, an honor and a real achievement. “It can be an additional attraction for the community,” he says. “Not only is the area beautiful, but now it has its own designation.”
From now on, only winemakers within the boundaries of the AVA, using at least 80 percent of grapes grown here, are authorized to indicate the Lamorinda origin on their labels. Members of the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association (LWGA), which funded the study that was submitted to the TTB for approval, say that the AVA adds a sense of place, and puts Lamorinda in a bottle.
“We felt that the existing AVAs did not describe our wines adequately,” says LWGA Vice-President Carol Haag. “What we discovered during the study is that the actual city limits [comprising Lamorinda] match a unique geological region with its own climate and soil composition.” The dominant geological formation, known as the Orinda Formation, supports most of Lamorinda, and the soils found in Lamorinda are a combination of uplifted sedimentary formations, some rich in marine fossils, and erosion from the surrounding mountains. These unique characteristics of the Lamorinda terroir, the natural environment in which a particular wine is produced, are favorable to great winemaking.
There are five bonded wineries currently within the Lamorinda AVA, each producing a few hundred cases per year. TTB identified 46 commercially producing vineyards covering approximately 139 acres in the Lamorinda AVA. The individual vineyards are small, people live where they grow their vines, usually covering less than 5 acres, sprinkled like confetti among the lower density housing areas of the three suburbs. Most of the vineyard owners either simply grow the grapes or make wine only for their family and friends. Not all are part of the LWGA.
None of the winemakers at this time make a fortune with their wineries. “One needs to produce 20,000 to 30,000 cases a year to make a living,” says Sal Captain of Captain Vineyards in Moraga. But those who sell commercially have already won awards in regional wine competitions. The Lamorinda terroir is rich, the flavors are intense, and the colors deep. Now the new appellation is a way for East Bay connoisseurs to source truly local wines. “The diverse topology creates microclimates that allow many grape varietals to grow well in Lamorinda,” adds Haag. “While there are some white wine varietals being grown, Lamorinda is mostly devoted to red wine varietals. Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Sangiovese are most common. Being a relatively new winegrowing area, there is some experimentation going on with some very interesting results.”
It took the LWGA three years to conduct the research and get the TTB approval. Haag said that in June of 2012 the group engaged the services of professors Patrick Shabram, Kenneth Verosub and Michael Oskin to perform the necessary research. “We were fortunate to get amazing support from the Livermore AVA,” adds Susan Captain who was part of the AVA committee with Chair Dave Rey, Vlatka Bathgate, Tom Morehouse, Jim Ward and Bill English. Livermore’s AVA is three times as large as Lamorinda’s, which will be one of the smallest in the nation. The quantity of grapes grown here is likely to remain limited since both the cost of land and the pressure for more housing are quite high.
The five bonded wineries allowed to sell commercially are Captain Vineyards in Moraga, Deer Hill Vineyards in Lafayette, Los Arabis Vineyards in Lafayette, Meadow View Winery in Orinda, and Vincenza Ranch in Moraga. “Lamorinda wines are sold at Cine Cuvee, The Cooperage, The Fourth Bore, Hideout Kitchen & Café, Lafayette Park Hotel, Postino, Walnut Creek Yacht Club, Amorama, Diablo Foods, Jacksons, Moraga Wine & Liquor and the Wine Thieves,” says Haag. Wines can also be purchased online and at the individual wineries. For information, visit Lamorindawinegrowers.com.
Various members of the Lamorinda Wine Growers Association celebrate the new AVA. Front row, from left: Alissa Scanlin, and Leslie Ward; back row: Tony Inzerillo, Larry Haag, Carol Haag, Bill Scanlin, Vlatka Bathgate, and Bill English.
Sal and Susan Captain showing the Lamorinda AVA map Photo Sophie Braccini
Reach the reporter at:

Uncategorized | Susan Captain |

How does this winter’s rainfall compare to normal? An update from Napa’s Hydrologis

rainfall2016

Napa County RCD’s senior Hydrologist Paul Blank recently summarized this Winter’s rainfall:

“As of the end of January, Napa Valley has received 57% of our annual rainfall which has almost caught us up and put us on track for an average year. Normally, we receive 58% of our yearly rainfall by end of January. Given this is a strong El Nino year, there’s reason to hope for above-average rainfall in the coming months.”
Read more on how Paul came up with these figures by following this link. Stay tuned for another update from Paul on this winter’s rainfall in early March. Have specific questions that you want Paul to answer? Let us know!
Uncategorized | Susan Captain |

Shipping Wine to So. Dakota

 

UPS Service Update
UPS now allows you to ship wine directly to consumers in South Dakota using UPS® services. Addendum A of the UPS Wine Shipping Agreement has been updated to include Winery Direct Shipments to consumers in South Dakota. Retailers are still not permitted to ship wine direct to consumers. Please visit ups.com/wine to view the most current Addendum A of the UPS Wine Shipping Agreement. It includes a listing of destination states permitting wine shipments, as well as additional requirements for you to ship wine via UPS services.

 

 

 
Uncategorized | Leslie |

LAFAYETTE COMMUNITY DIRECTORY

If you would like to be included or excluded from the Lafayette Community Directory soon to be published , please let me know immediately.  Currently we have:

Deer Hill Vineyards www.deerhillvineyards.com 925.283.2421

Captain Vineyards www.captainvineyards.com 925.631.0714

Parkmon Vineyards www.parkmon.com 925.631.7981

Los Arabis Vineyards www.losarabisvineyards.com 510.406.5680

Bullfrog Creek Vineyard www.bullfrogcreekvineyard.com 925.377.0433

Last One Picked Vineyards www.orindavineyards.com 925.210.0113

Vincenza Ranch and Winery of Moraga www.vincenzaranch.com 925.260.9734

Uncategorized | Leslie |

Candidate Statements for the Upcoming Board Election

Below are the Candidate Statements for the five open board positions that we will vote on after the next General Membership Meeting on January 31st.

susan

Susan Captain

Since the inception of LWGA in 2005, I have served on the board in various capacities, mostly in sustainable educational information Sal and I gain from attending several seminars/ classes/ symposiums as well as being members of the Wine Institute and the California Grape Growers Association.  I also served as President of LWGA for 2 years, and I am on the AVA committee.

Currently, I am spending much effort with other members of our association to ensure that any rules and  regulations being prepared by the Moraga city planning department will be -growers/winemakers friendly-;    these rules are likely to be duplicated by Orinda and Lafayette.  I would like to seek your support again to continue serving.  Many Thanks

Carol Haag

Carol Haag

I’m Carol Haag and the current Vice President of the Board.  I have been on the Board since 2009, serving as the Education Chair and Secretary.  My husband, Larry, and I joined LWGA in 2008 as grape growers and have enjoyed the camaraderie and dedication of the group’s members and the educational value from being a member.

In addition to being a grape grower, I am the small business owner of two companies, Scientific Symposiums International and Haag Associates Management Consulting.  Prior to owning my own businesses, I was in executive positions at Fortune 500 companies in the Bay Area and Chicago and feel that my corporate and non-profit experience continues to be an asset to the organization by serving as a Board member.

As a Board member, I have contributed to the growth and higher profile of LWGA within the Lamorinda community through several projects, including those with the California Independent Film Festival (CAIFF), the Town of Moraga, the Moraga Chamber of Commerce and Saint Mary’s College of California. I am an early supporter of the AVA and as a Board member have worked on its many phases through submission to be recognized as the Lamorinda AVA.

I believe that LWGA is a valuable Lamorinda community asset, whose full potential is only beginning to be realized, especially with the AVA designation.  I would like to continue to contribute to this exciting growth of the organization and would appreciate your vote as a LWGA Board member.  Thank you.

Saied Nazeri

Saied Nazeri

My name is Saied Nazeri and I have lived in town of Moraga since 2003. My wife and I have a small vineyard of about 600 vines and are growing three varietals: Syrah, Pinot Noir and Merlot.  We were among the original founding members of the LWGA.

Over the last ten years I have served our organization as a board member in various capacities.  I started as the vice president for a number of years until last year when, with the new incoming board members, I assumed the role of board secretary.

Our achievements as an organization of growers or wine making families have been impressive as has the quality of wines we produce.  We are very close to achieving another important milestone by securing our AVA status.  I would like to continue to remain on the board for one more term to help with this exciting transition.   Thank you

Dave Rey

Dave Rey

My name is Dave Rey and I am a candidate for reelection to the Board.  My family and I have have a small vineyard and winery in Lafayette called Reliez Valley Vineyards.  I am a longtime member and I am completing my second term on the Board.  My primary focus for the last four years has been the creation of the Lamorinda AVA.  I would like to serve one more term so that I can see the AVA effort through until completion.

BillScanlin

Bill Scanlin

My name is Bill Scanlin, and I planted our vineyard in Lafayette in 1998.  We have been growing grapes and making wine since then with Deer Hill Vineyards becoming a bonded winery in 2010. I have served on the board of LWGA since 2008; managing the website and handling other administrative duties.

I believe that we have a great opportunity with our upcoming AVA to become a highly regarded viticultural area.  I would like to see our organization promote educational opportunities for both grape growers and wine makers, and I would also like to see us host social events to foster communication between our members and the community.  I would appreciate your support!

Uncategorized | admin |

Classified area on website available for use

LWGA Members,

Happy Holidays!

We have a new “Classified” area on the Lamorinda Winegrowers site available to sell wine growing/making equipment, grapes and wine related real estate.  If we need other wine/related catagories, please let us know.

If you have questions or are interested in having classified items posted, please send an email with a description, price, contact information and attach any relevent pictures to: info@lamorindawinegrowers.com

LWGA Board

Uncategorized | admin |

Meet the LWGA Grape Growers/Wine Makers: van Steyn

Gerard

vS Wines

Eleven years ago a friend started making wine from a kit. I thought, if he can do it surely I could as well.  So after reading every winemaking book we could find and getting advice from the winemakers at Oak Barrel in Berkeley, my wife Kathryn and I made our first vintage in 2005 using Napa Valley grapes we picked.  For the next six years we sourced grapes from a high-end vineyard near the top of Mt. Veeder.  The fruit was always concentrated, but did have issues with Ph/acid balance and the uniformity of ripeness.  Using other folks fruit got us thinking that with our own vineyard, we would have nobody else to point to if we had concerns with the fruit!

We were renting at the time in Lafayette and so set about seeking a home. One of my primary criteria was that it would be well-suited for a vineyard and fruit trees.  Kathryn primarily wanted room for her 4 chickens, and secondly our three children.  We found our current home located on Johnson Rd, Lafayette in early 2012 and hired a vineyard manager to plant 620 two-year old vines on a south-facing slope.  The grapes are 70% cabernet and the remainder are Malbec, Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and Merlot. We also planted 40 fruit trees and 30 berry bushes.  This year was our first harvest!

Kathryn and I took over vineyard management this year. Our vineyard manager was doing a decent job, but we felt hands-on would be better.  It has been more work than we anticipated, but we are enjoying the experience and all we have learned. Also, many years after escaping from the dairy farm of my youth, getting back into growing and using our hands has been a nice change.

We are excited about the growth of vineyards and wine in the Lamorinda area and the potential for our collective AVA!

Gerard and Kathryn van Steyn

Uncategorized | Leslie |