Technically Trained New Member Introduction

[Jessica McDowell]

I am a UC Davis Viticulture and Enology graduate looking to learn more about the Lamorinda AVA.  I just finished my second harvest with Celia Welch (Scarecrow) and have previous experience on the production/cellar side of winemaking.  My husband and I live in Orinda and I would love to help out in a winemaking role. I have an extensive education in both viticulture and enology.  While my focus is enology, I am happy to help with viticulture needs outside of harvest.

[David Hicks]

Hi Jessica,   My name is David Hicks and I am a board member of LWGA.  My suggestion for you to get acquainted with our group is to attend our next on-line board meeting as a guest.  To do so I would suggest you introduce yourself to our president Daniel Howsepian [ph # 925 858 7000 ]  who is best placed to fill you on how we operate as a board and AVA and discuss ways in which you can participate within members.  All but 3 of our board are bonded winemakers and all but one is also a grower, and all make good wine.  I took the entire vit and enology extension program at Davis starting in 2003 and many others have taken the same or similar courses.  Larry Thal a board member is building an AVA based tasting room and winery in addition to a catering kitchen on Mt. Diablo near the Wine Thieves.  Lots going on with our group, but now slowed by the lockdown.  But things will get back to normal and I’m sure the board will be interested in connecting with you.   David Hicks   925.997.1997.

[Jessica McDowell]

David,

Thank you for your introduction.  I would be happy to sit in a board meeting to get more acquainted with this group.  Do you have an email for Daniel and yourself? I can shoot over some information about myself.  Look forward too meeting you all!

-Jess

[Jerry Del Rio]

Hi ,

I would like to talk to you about my harvest problems.  The grapes have been

small than usual the last 2 years and the lack of juice has caused some vinegar to begin during primary fermentation.  I had to do port last year and may have to do that again.

Jerry Del Rio 170 Overhill Road Orinda

cell 9257883844 home 925 2541697

 

 

 

 

[Jessica McDowell]

Jerry,

It sounds like you could have a nutrient deficiency in your soil. Zinc is the most common micronutrient when it comes to small or shot berries…Boron is another nutrient that can become deficient during a drought or with dry farming.  Have you had your soil tested?

– Jess

[Jerry Del Rio]

I have never tested the soil

will do so

[Daniel Howsepian]

hi Jerry:

 

It sounds like a nutrient deficiency, as Jessica mentioned.

We have on the website, on the winemakers forum a lab you can contact and send in samples so you can determine what to do.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.  We’d like to know!

daniel howsepian