Happy Halloween! And praise the rain on the pumpkins: we’ll take it as Mother Nature’s very best treat. We’re on the cusp of November, which means we’re into the home stretch of the year. The vineyard began turning beautiful fall colors early in October, and the rains are giving the vines a much-needed drink after their labors. Come enjoy the gold leaves of the Chardonnay and the crimson of the Cabernet Franc before they’re all gone with the wind.
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour this coming weekend, November 5, as Daylight Savings Time comes to an end.
A quick update on harvest: it was a better year than 2015, but yields were still modest, with Pinot being rather short, due to a cool and foggy May, and Chardonnay being among the star performers. According to winemaker, Dave Moulton, “We harvested a total of 26 tons, down about 30 percent from 2012 through 2014. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay were light and Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon were slightly higher. We were able to pick at optimum ripeness and flavor in a span from September 13th to September 28th, a record for quick. Everything through fermentation and pressed into barrels by October 12th. Very excited about this vintage!!!”
We love the chill in the air as the nights become cooler and revel in the fresh mountain air. We’d love to have you join us to enjoy a spectacular picnic as the apples ripen and our thoughts turn to fall cuisine. We’re planning to sit down in front of the fire and enjoy a bottle of our most excellent 2012 Burrell School Estate Pinot Noir as we toast the beginning of the holiday season. So many things to be thankful for this year, including you, our valued Club Members!
But before we even get to Thanksgiving, early November brings lots of exciting wine events. Read on.
EVENTS
November 4th, An Evening of Wine and Roses. Enjoy our area’s best wines, hors d’oeuvres and locally grown roses at this benefit for the Pajaro Valley Health Trust. www.pvhealthtrust.org
November 12th, Premier Cruz. Join us at The Toll House in Los Gatos, from 3-6pm for a tasting of stellar vintages of Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux blends. This is a chance to enjoy some of the finest wines coming out of the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA: don’t miss it! www.scmwa.com
November 19th, Fall Passport Day. Enjoy a different tasting experience at over 50 Santa Cruz Mountains wineries. Purchase passports online or here at Burrell School Vineyards, where we’ll have Bill the Oyster Man and live music. Be sure to add some 2012 Principal’s Choice Pinot to your Thanksgiving table.
Brand new Passports are $55, and are good for two years from the date printed on the Passport. www.scmwa.com
November 24th, Happy Thanksgiving to all. Tasting room is closed.
November 26th, Saratoga Holiday Wine Stroll, 2 – 5pm. Start the holiday season in historic Saratoga Village with carriage rides, music and wine. Come for the wine and stay for the fun! Note the event is Saturday this year, with treelighting at 5:30pm. Enjoy dinner in town afterwards! www.saratogachamber.org
November 25th, 26th & 27th, Cellar Alumni Sale. Twice a year Winemaker Dave shares select older vintage library wines with our Wine Sippers members. Taste, evaluate and stock your cellar. This is one of the most fun events of the year! If you’re not yet a Sipper’s Club member, now is the time!