It’s back to school time here at the big red schoolhouse! We love this time of year at the schoolhouse, as everyone eagerly anticipates the arrival of the Class of 2011. The grapes are actually getting riper, the reds are all turning color, with the Pinot nearly 100% in veraison, and the Chardonnay (below) has begun to turn its translucent gold color, reminiscent of stained glass windows in European cathedrals.
With afternoon temperatures well into the high 80s, this is perfect ripening weather. The Pinot is already netted, as the birds have begun to peck holes in the grapes: they don’t care whether they are ripe or not!
Wine, Women & Chocolate! what fun is that! 
Make Burrell School one of your stops on tomorrow’s Chocolate Candyland Tour! Taste the gourmet goodness of handcrafted Luis Moro chocolates paired with our handcrafted fruity reds. We have raspberry and ollalieberry flavors from this artisan chocolatier located in Scotts Valley.
These truly artisan chocolates are handmade from locally sourced fruits and celebrate the very essence of summer, so come on out and indulge! Each of the Summit to Sea wineries will offer chocolates to pair with wines. Here at Burrell School, $5 gets you a taste of two flavors paired with our favorite selections. Luis Moro chocolates will also be available to take home, so bring a cooler if you are planning to make wine purchases along the S2S trail. Remember, wine and chocolate like to be kept on ice in the hot summer sun.
Then, it’s the bi-annual LRC party on Sunday with the Mighty Class of 2005, including the stellar 2005 Merlot ( a model of Merlotness), 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon (one of the best!), 2005 Cabernet Franc (frankly my dear, fabulous) and 2005 Valedictorian (stalwart and resolute). Not a Library Reserve Club member? Contact us right away. These massive, well-built wines require pairing with foods like bison meatballs with feta and spinach on grilled polenta, along with a summer tomato tart. Come enjoy these amazing, dwindling in supply wines, Sunday from 1pm til 5pm.
Mark your calendars: Burrell School will be open all three days of the upcoming Labor Day weekend, so come out and enjoy the beautiful vineyard views. And check out the beautifully ripening Pinot – you can begin to smell the fruit flavors developing in the late summer sun.