With our firm’s “harvest” over it was time to get our team out of the office and into the vineyard to learn about spring farming activities.  Thanks to Debby Zygielbaum the vineyard manager at Robert Sinskey Vineyards, our team was introduced to the many tasks underway in the vineyards.  With a light mist in the air and a nice chilly breeze at our side we trooped along like a bunch of curious pups.  We ventured to the top of the hill to see the results of  pruning and to learn about the many fungi awaiting to spring forth with the warmer weather to come.

I am always amazed at how much there is to learn about viticulture.   This is why I ask our team to come out with me to discover first hand what is being done.  No worries, we are not going into the grape business, but since we serve this industry it is important that we understand the processes and the challenges that our customers face.  I truly believe that our ability to help others is enhanced when we understand, beyond the numbers, what makes up the activities of this business.  Recalling that data only gives us one perspective, I believe better solutions can be derived when we know and can see the whole picture.

Growing up in a rural farming community in northern California, I gained an appreciation for what a farmer has to contend with.  They continue to move forward, working tirelessly  to combat whatever mother nature throws at them.  In the end they had a crop to raise and a family to feed and they weren’t going to quit.  Their work ethic and commitment is truly something to admire and applaud.

Since I live near Carneros, I often awaken to the sounds of the wind machines at 2:00 a.m. Many in the community complain about the noise.  I on the other hand, lay awake wondering how bad a frost this is going to be.  Will it be like last spring where we saw a record number of frost days that created substantial damage to the crop?  I can’t change it but it does bother me because I know that there are many vineyard managers like Debby, who are working on just a few hours of sleep , to make  sure their wind machines are running properly.

Behind every great bottle of wine are hard working, caring people who want to do the right thing.  So the next time you’re enjoying that delicious bottle of Napa Valley wine take a moment to look deep inside your glass to catch a glimpse of  the women and men who dedicate their lives to making sure the grapes are the best!

Until next time…pull a cork and enjoy!

I had the opportunity to join my 17 year old daughter this week at 6:30 a.m. at Robert Sinskey Vineyards to help build a makeshift corral and then watch her help the vineyard manager, Debby herd the sheep from the pasture into the holding area.  

I got the chance to see nature’s latest gift of lambs.  The young one in the picture is about 2 weeks old.  My daughter got to return a new born to its mom when she was in the pasture.  It is hard to believe these little guys and gals will grow so quickly and will soon be helping the vineyard manager.  That’s right Sinskey puts the sheep to work in there vineyards.  They are great harvesters of the ground cover.  Being organically farmed vineyards results in creative ways of  getting the job done. 

Given the state of the economy I think we are all being tested at our creativity.   Then again that is what has made America great over the ages.  When it gets tough we dig deep inside and find a way to get the job done, quicker and better than before.  This is your chance to make a positive impact just like that mother and daughter in the vineyard.

Until next time…Spring is in the air.