March signals a shift in seasons as we move from winter into spring, even though we haven’t had much of a winter at all. We continue to pray for rain, hopefully before flowering occurs. Last year’s Pinot Noir bud break occurred during the first week of March and this year is on the same track as 2014: this picture was taken on February 27, and the Chardonnay won’t be far behind! Dry, warm conditions are rushing everything into production early. Hold on for another wild ride!
The Spring Equinox occurs on March 20th at 3:45pm. It seems like 2015 is flying by!
Spring also brings the positively amazing weekend of Pinot Paradise, coming up on March 21 & 22, with Pathways on Saturday, followed by the Technical Session and Grand Cruz tasting on Sunday at The Mountain Winery. Please join us as we celebrate Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir all month long.
EVENTS
March Weekends—Barrel tasting and futures sales continue all month long for Sippers Club members. It’s an exclusive chance to taste, evaluate and purchase four of Winemaker Dave’s best 2013 vintage reds. Purchase Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, High School Sweethearts and Syrah, all at 50% off retail pricing. They’ll be bottled in April and we’ll let you know when they’re available for pickup.
March 21st—Pathway to Paradise at Burrell School and over 20 participating wineries. Enjoy a day at the many Pinot Noir producers of the Santa Cruz Mountains. $25 per person. Purchase here at Burrell School or at www.scmwa.com
March 22nd—Pinot Paradise at The Mountain Winery. The Grand Cruz tasting will feature over 40 winemakers, along with gourmet food from local restaurants. Purchase tickets here at Burrell School or at www.scmwa.com. Don’t miss the Technical Session organized by local master viticulurist, Prudy Foxx. It begins at 9am. Buy VIP tickets so you can attend this seminar and gain early access to the event.
Mark your calendars for April Passport on April 18! Spring Passport is a great time to come out and visit new wineries and your favorite old ones. You’ll be able to enjoy the vineyards in their full spring greenery. Everything should be leafed out by then and you might even detect some flowering.
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT
Another milestone here on the Summit—Burrell School will turn 125 years young on July 4, 2015. We’re planning a celebration and will have details as we approach summer.