July is here and the heat is most definitely on. Our vines are directing their energy towards the ripening of the grape clusters – and the crop looks quite robust and healthy. Individual grape berries are plumping up rapidly, and the red varieties will soon take on color, aka veraison, where they will go from pink to magenta and eventually to various shades of purple. Our organic spray program has helped us grow healthy, disease free plants and grapes and we’re looking forward to a bountiful harvest.
We also welcome July because it brings us the Fourth, a most patriotic holiday and Burrell School’s official birthday. Burrell School was built in 1890 and dedicated on July Fourth of that year with a community celebration.
This Fourth of July will mark Burrell School’s 126th birthday as well as a complete restoration of the original school building. Check out the before and after pictures here. The black and white shot, above, is from 1973 when we moved into the old schoolhouse. After the recent facelift, you can sense the schoolhouse is mighty happy to be once again fit as a fiddle. We’re quite sure the old gal hasn’t looked this good since she was brand new! The floors are shining, the blackboards restored to that first day of school freshness, filled with possibility and promise.
The winery will be officially closed on the 4th of July holiday for a private celebration with family and friends, music, food and lots of patriotic music. Follow us on Facebook to check out the festivities.
We’re open Thursday through Sunday from 11am to 5pm, so bring up a picnic and enjoy July’s warm afternoons on the tasting room deck. Come see the vineyard in all their sumptuous summer glory!
EVENTS
July 2nd and 3rd—live music both days with our neighbors, the Wildcat Mountain Ramblers, here on Saturday with toe-tapping bluegrass tunes.
July 4th—Happy Fourth of July and happy 126th birthday to Burrell School. Please remember that our tasting room is closed that day.
July 8th—Chaminade Resort’s farm to table dinner featuring Burrell School and the Summit to Sea wineries paired with fresh fare from Fiesta Farms. Join us for what will be a splendid summer evening of great food, wine and companionship, all highlighted by the glow of the sun setting over the Pacific. Few places are as special as Chaminade on a summer’s eve! www.chaminade.com/upcoming_events/
July 16th—Summer Passport Day. Live music, wine by the glass and Bill the Oysterman shucking for us. Special pricing on oyster platters and wine combos.
July 17th—Bill the Oysterman is here Sunday as well.
Sippers Club members—All July weekends feature barrel tasting and futures sales exclusively for our wine club members. Come taste what the future holds!
And save the date. August 6th and 7th is our Sippers Session featuring the August wine selections, tasty fare from Chef Desiree, live music and a special surprise.
