David should be proud of himself with the awards that are rolling in. I didn't comment about it yesterday and felt that I should tonight. It is always nice to know that people in the industry appreciate your hard work. Great job David!
The flyer for the Wine and Art Festival is almost taken care of. Ads will be going out in newspapers and magazines. Radio ads will start and tv spots. We are also planning a grand reopening during Father's Day weekend. I think we have a date for a wine maker's dinner. There is a lot going on at the winery.
Rob spent today filtering wine, the nameless sweet red. We are working on naming it. David was busy in the lab doing what he does. He also put together a white blend that my be our next Cuvee Prestige. It will need a little work but was nice.
We got our glass order today and it came damaged. There are ripped boxes and broken bottles. Our rep is coming tomorrow to take pictures. They will replace them. I just feel bad that it happened at all.
I think I will get our polylam capsules ordered by the end of the week. I went through part of the numbers this afternoon. There are so many varying things from each company. We'll see how it goes.
I need to get more glass ordered soon. We hope to be bottling under the new label within a few weeks. I must get started on the labels...tomorrow.
Tomorrow will be a busy day. I will be going to a meeting in town (Eugene) about the barrel tour coming up May 31. Then it I will go by the printers to see if we can get the labels going. Then by an office store for a date stamp and Costco for cheese and dog food. Who knows what else will get added to my list by the time I leave tomorrow.
I have had a request for more technical information in my blog. I will try to incorporate more info. I will take notes during the day and see if I can get it right when I write about it later. About as technical as I get is when I send off wine sample to be tested for alcohol and V.A. and other stuff I can't spell (lactic and melolactic fermentation or something like that). I will take notes and get back to you.
Cheers to you all!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Good news and Astoria
So...I went to Astoria Crab and Wine Festival last weekend. I had a good time but wished I had sold all the wine I took. My mother went with me and that was touch and go at times. As a whole, it was fine.
So my mom and I drove up to Seaside on Thursday. We left about 1 PM and we got to Seaside about 5:30 PM. We took the back way (no freeways) and we stopped at Tillamook Cheese Factory and bought water and ice cream. It started raining and it was cold. We got to Seaside Comfort Inn and ate at Doogers. We both had the seafood combo plate. Mom had Cajun and I had fried (of course). We took the 2005 Tempranillo and the corkage was only $5, what a bargain. It was a lovely meal, great food and atmosphere. I highly recommend it.
Friday we drove into Astoria to the fairgrounds. We got there about 10 AM and found our spot and unloaded. Did I mention that we figured out that the festival didn't supply tablecloths so we made a stop at Fred Meyers and picked up supplies. We were unloaded by 11:30 AM and set up by noon. We decided to get some lunch and headed down to an all you can eat pizza place. The salad bar was good, the pizza just OK. The festival opened at 4 PM and closed at 9 PM. We shared a room with Sheryl from Saginaw Vineyard. We had a nice time.
The next day the festival was open from 10 till 8. 10 hours is a long time to be on your feet. We made it back to the hotel and ate food we traded wine for. The folks from 12 Ranches and Cliff Creek were at the same hotel and we got invited over. We went to their room and had a fun time visiting. I recommend 12 Ranches Syrah, it has a huge amount of plum on the nose and on the palate. It is fresh and light. Ken and Connie are great down to earth people. When I walked into their room Ken's cowboy boots were sitting (or should I say standing there). They are down to earth people like myself. No pretension or snobbery, just nice folks. The same goes for the people from Cliff Creek. This all started when I thought Ruth was alone. She was the only one I saw driving the "Whip-N-Spur" truck. Lee came out and invited me in and there went the rest of the evening. I recommend Cliff Creek and Ruth, Lee and Christie just on personality alone. I had a fun time.
We worked Sunday, which was dead, and we headed home. I got home about 10:45 PM and got to bed about midnight. Needless to say, I was a little tired when I got up on Monday.
Monday, I got an email and we had won 2 silver metals at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition (San Bernadino). We won with the 2004 Baco Noir and the Marechal Foch Port. I was really excited. We also found out that the Portland Food and Wine Magazine wants to write about our 2005 Viognier. It was a good day in the wine business.
I think I will leave Monday at that. I had a meeting with Mom and Dad but that made the day more complicated so I won't talk about that. My new saying, "Wishing you Good times and wines."
Cheers....Tracy
So my mom and I drove up to Seaside on Thursday. We left about 1 PM and we got to Seaside about 5:30 PM. We took the back way (no freeways) and we stopped at Tillamook Cheese Factory and bought water and ice cream. It started raining and it was cold. We got to Seaside Comfort Inn and ate at Doogers. We both had the seafood combo plate. Mom had Cajun and I had fried (of course). We took the 2005 Tempranillo and the corkage was only $5, what a bargain. It was a lovely meal, great food and atmosphere. I highly recommend it.
Friday we drove into Astoria to the fairgrounds. We got there about 10 AM and found our spot and unloaded. Did I mention that we figured out that the festival didn't supply tablecloths so we made a stop at Fred Meyers and picked up supplies. We were unloaded by 11:30 AM and set up by noon. We decided to get some lunch and headed down to an all you can eat pizza place. The salad bar was good, the pizza just OK. The festival opened at 4 PM and closed at 9 PM. We shared a room with Sheryl from Saginaw Vineyard. We had a nice time.
The next day the festival was open from 10 till 8. 10 hours is a long time to be on your feet. We made it back to the hotel and ate food we traded wine for. The folks from 12 Ranches and Cliff Creek were at the same hotel and we got invited over. We went to their room and had a fun time visiting. I recommend 12 Ranches Syrah, it has a huge amount of plum on the nose and on the palate. It is fresh and light. Ken and Connie are great down to earth people. When I walked into their room Ken's cowboy boots were sitting (or should I say standing there). They are down to earth people like myself. No pretension or snobbery, just nice folks. The same goes for the people from Cliff Creek. This all started when I thought Ruth was alone. She was the only one I saw driving the "Whip-N-Spur" truck. Lee came out and invited me in and there went the rest of the evening. I recommend Cliff Creek and Ruth, Lee and Christie just on personality alone. I had a fun time.
We worked Sunday, which was dead, and we headed home. I got home about 10:45 PM and got to bed about midnight. Needless to say, I was a little tired when I got up on Monday.
Monday, I got an email and we had won 2 silver metals at the Pacific Rim Wine Competition (San Bernadino). We won with the 2004 Baco Noir and the Marechal Foch Port. I was really excited. We also found out that the Portland Food and Wine Magazine wants to write about our 2005 Viognier. It was a good day in the wine business.
I think I will leave Monday at that. I had a meeting with Mom and Dad but that made the day more complicated so I won't talk about that. My new saying, "Wishing you Good times and wines."
Cheers....Tracy
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Wine, women and UPS
I was walking in the door this morning at 8:45 AM and the phone was already ringing. I didn't make it in time but hey, that's why we have voicemail. So the guys are off at a seminar learning about what can go wrong with wine and how to avoid it. I think it has to do with bacteria and microorganisms. Anyway, I'm sure they are having a blast drinking wine gone bad and talking to other winemakers. Candy and I were the only people at the winery today. I wonder when the last time was that this winery only saw women?
I've been having problems with our UPS software. This is a not good because I can't send wine without it. Called yesterday and the guy said he would be sending an email on how to fix the problem. No email! I called this morning and got part of the way through fixing it but didn't. Called again and got the same guy. He stayed on the phone with me until we finally got it fixed. In the meantime, I get off the phone and have 4 voice mails.
The phone was ringing off the hook today. Several people wanting donations, others for advertising and the rest sales people. I did get the calls I needed to make taken care of.
I hope to get the revised Wine and Art Festival flyer back tomorrow. Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast. I need to do a lot before then. I better make sure we have enough people to work. Is it possible to wish for good weather for that weekend now?
I added some pictures of Greatest of the Grape to that post. Check them out!
Tomorrow will be a busy morning since my mom and I will be leaving for Astoria. Rob will get the van packed up and I'll check emails and such before we leave around noon. It is about a 5 hour drive up there. Is it OK to wish for nice weather there this weekend?
I better wrap it up. I'm still at work (last night I had about 3 paragraphs typed for my blog and my computer shut down so I decided to write from work) but I need to go. I need to cook dinner and run to Crow High School for a parents meeting about 8th grade recognition. Fun evenings like this, what more can a person look forward to?
Until later, Tracy
I've been having problems with our UPS software. This is a not good because I can't send wine without it. Called yesterday and the guy said he would be sending an email on how to fix the problem. No email! I called this morning and got part of the way through fixing it but didn't. Called again and got the same guy. He stayed on the phone with me until we finally got it fixed. In the meantime, I get off the phone and have 4 voice mails.
The phone was ringing off the hook today. Several people wanting donations, others for advertising and the rest sales people. I did get the calls I needed to make taken care of.
I hope to get the revised Wine and Art Festival flyer back tomorrow. Memorial Day weekend is coming up fast. I need to do a lot before then. I better make sure we have enough people to work. Is it possible to wish for good weather for that weekend now?
I added some pictures of Greatest of the Grape to that post. Check them out!
Tomorrow will be a busy morning since my mom and I will be leaving for Astoria. Rob will get the van packed up and I'll check emails and such before we leave around noon. It is about a 5 hour drive up there. Is it OK to wish for nice weather there this weekend?
I better wrap it up. I'm still at work (last night I had about 3 paragraphs typed for my blog and my computer shut down so I decided to write from work) but I need to go. I need to cook dinner and run to Crow High School for a parents meeting about 8th grade recognition. Fun evenings like this, what more can a person look forward to?
Until later, Tracy
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Good week
I wish that I had a chance to write this on Friday. I was extremely pleased with how the week ended. Bottling did go smoothly, wine bottles got ordered and the tasting room down by the lake got set up. I got a few loose ends tied up and I feel really good. I do have a mental list for next week.
Bottling went really well, at least from my perspective. David comes in at about 6 AM and starts sanitizing the bottling line. They are usually ready to start the actual bottling about 9 AM. They bottled up 4 different things that were for the custom crush clients. Hopefully, we will get some of the others ready for bottling in the next couple weeks.
Rob picked up the labels in Eugene and I labeled all the 2005 Pinot Noir we had at the winery. Got that taken care of in time to take lunch orders. It really felt good to get that wine moving. Checked over the other labels to make sure everything was correct.
I got the beginnings of the Eugene Magazine ad in, we'll see how that goes. I will just muddle my way through all this new stuff.
Saturday we had a group of 20 come in from Klamath Falls, Oregon. David came in to help, it really took a lot of pressure off me. I told a little history and he spoke about the wines while I served. Worked out well. They seemed to be very pleased. I have another group coming in tomorrow (Monday) also. They are with Women for Wine Sense. I just hope that I can handle the questions if I don't have Rob or David there (there are disadvantages to having the tasting room away from the winery).
After the group left on Saturday, I wrapped a few things up that had been on my list last week. I will have to work double time this coming week, I will be leaving on Thursday to go work the Astoria Festival. Yet another short week. I hope to sell a ton of wine and have a good time. Maybe there will even be a little sunshine.
I need to get to bed, I must start the week off with enough sleep. The weather has been somewhat depressing for me. I suffer with a bit of seasonal depression and I'm ready for spring weather. I think it finally caught up with me today.
Bottling went really well, at least from my perspective. David comes in at about 6 AM and starts sanitizing the bottling line. They are usually ready to start the actual bottling about 9 AM. They bottled up 4 different things that were for the custom crush clients. Hopefully, we will get some of the others ready for bottling in the next couple weeks.
Rob picked up the labels in Eugene and I labeled all the 2005 Pinot Noir we had at the winery. Got that taken care of in time to take lunch orders. It really felt good to get that wine moving. Checked over the other labels to make sure everything was correct.
I got the beginnings of the Eugene Magazine ad in, we'll see how that goes. I will just muddle my way through all this new stuff.
Saturday we had a group of 20 come in from Klamath Falls, Oregon. David came in to help, it really took a lot of pressure off me. I told a little history and he spoke about the wines while I served. Worked out well. They seemed to be very pleased. I have another group coming in tomorrow (Monday) also. They are with Women for Wine Sense. I just hope that I can handle the questions if I don't have Rob or David there (there are disadvantages to having the tasting room away from the winery).
After the group left on Saturday, I wrapped a few things up that had been on my list last week. I will have to work double time this coming week, I will be leaving on Thursday to go work the Astoria Festival. Yet another short week. I hope to sell a ton of wine and have a good time. Maybe there will even be a little sunshine.
I need to get to bed, I must start the week off with enough sleep. The weather has been somewhat depressing for me. I suffer with a bit of seasonal depression and I'm ready for spring weather. I think it finally caught up with me today.
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Yeah Baby, Labels!
Today was a good day. A crazy day but a good one. First things first. Tim and I started moving all the tasting room "stuff" down to the Events Facility on the lake. Wine, paperwork, glasses, dump buckets, display stands, shirts, food and wine (did I already mention wine?). We will be serving wine at the other location until Memorial Day Weekend. Since I didn't have enough table cloths to cover everything, I will go down tomorrow and take care of the rest of the stuff.
Bottling will happen tomorrow. Rob was a flutter getting everything ready. He does things so quietly you hardly know he's there. I learned today he likes the old roller derby. He used to go watch the LA Thunderbirds. There ya go...one of Rob's hot buttons! He also has some friends that are musicians. One plays the accordion for "Mood Area 52". He knows a lot about a lot of things.
Chef's Night Out was fun. It was nice meeting other people in the business, seeing people I haven't seen since I got out of the wedding business, and just having wonderful food. People really enjoyed themselves. I have to tell a few food tales: the steak tartare from Marche was great, the smoked lamb from King Estate, breathtaking, the liver pate from Zenon, smooth and rich, the burgers from Koho, fabulous. Too many more to mention. The desserts were amazing, I love those little gals from Sweet Life, they can bake, yum. I didn't eat one dessert that I didn't absolutely enjoy. I got up this morning and went on a bike ride to burn off some of the calories. I should say something about the wine; the local wineries were well represented, unfortunately, there were distributors offering California and Washington wine, disgrace! All is fair in love and wine!
Now, about the labels. First, the Pinot Noir labels that we have so impatiently been waiting for are ready. Tomorrow will be labeling day for me. Tim will be helping with bottling. I'll get enough labeled for our distributor to pick up. Second, I think we have a redesigned label that will work for us...finally. I ran into Eugene and got the new proof sheets. I got back and spent the next 2 hours talking to my parents. Mom thought the labels were a nice compromise but Dad was not convinced. I think with all the talking maybe for once I have worn him down. He finally said that he had nothing to lose and we can always tweak it again in a few years. I will move ahead from here. It is a relief but one that I am still a little uneasy about until the first redesigned labels go to print.
I will order bottles for the first time tomorrow. I couldn't purchase from a nicer person, Shelly Schafer from Richards Packaging. She's a sweetheart. She tracked me down today to get me some bottle samples. Lovely bottles and fair prices. Tomorrow will be a first!
I will pray for sunshine tomorrow, smooth bottling, work for completed tasks and happiness in my heart. Maybe a nice glass of wine at the end of the day!
Bottling will happen tomorrow. Rob was a flutter getting everything ready. He does things so quietly you hardly know he's there. I learned today he likes the old roller derby. He used to go watch the LA Thunderbirds. There ya go...one of Rob's hot buttons! He also has some friends that are musicians. One plays the accordion for "Mood Area 52". He knows a lot about a lot of things.
Chef's Night Out was fun. It was nice meeting other people in the business, seeing people I haven't seen since I got out of the wedding business, and just having wonderful food. People really enjoyed themselves. I have to tell a few food tales: the steak tartare from Marche was great, the smoked lamb from King Estate, breathtaking, the liver pate from Zenon, smooth and rich, the burgers from Koho, fabulous. Too many more to mention. The desserts were amazing, I love those little gals from Sweet Life, they can bake, yum. I didn't eat one dessert that I didn't absolutely enjoy. I got up this morning and went on a bike ride to burn off some of the calories. I should say something about the wine; the local wineries were well represented, unfortunately, there were distributors offering California and Washington wine, disgrace! All is fair in love and wine!
Now, about the labels. First, the Pinot Noir labels that we have so impatiently been waiting for are ready. Tomorrow will be labeling day for me. Tim will be helping with bottling. I'll get enough labeled for our distributor to pick up. Second, I think we have a redesigned label that will work for us...finally. I ran into Eugene and got the new proof sheets. I got back and spent the next 2 hours talking to my parents. Mom thought the labels were a nice compromise but Dad was not convinced. I think with all the talking maybe for once I have worn him down. He finally said that he had nothing to lose and we can always tweak it again in a few years. I will move ahead from here. It is a relief but one that I am still a little uneasy about until the first redesigned labels go to print.
I will order bottles for the first time tomorrow. I couldn't purchase from a nicer person, Shelly Schafer from Richards Packaging. She's a sweetheart. She tracked me down today to get me some bottle samples. Lovely bottles and fair prices. Tomorrow will be a first!
I will pray for sunshine tomorrow, smooth bottling, work for completed tasks and happiness in my heart. Maybe a nice glass of wine at the end of the day!
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Another week
So another week has slipped by, where does the time go? A lot has happened since last week. We are back to the drawing board on the new label. Not the whole thing but a few aspects of it. Hopefully, the new of the new will work for everyone. When I get the proof for the final I will figure out how to put it in the blog so everyone will be able to see it.
We are going to get some advertising lined up for the summer months. Memorial Weekend Festival is coming up soon. We have a lot to get done. By the end of the week I hope to get my part done.
David went to the Celebration of Syrah in Troutdale, OR last weekend. He said the food was great and the place (McMennimins) is a wonderful place to stay. Sounds like a lot of Syrah and lovely food. What could make for a better weekend? Well....maybe.....
Saturday in Oregon was wonderful. The temperature was 86 degrees and beautiful. We went to a BBQ and out shooting. My guys are into skeet shooting right now. My son got his own shotgun and is more excited than I can remember seeing him. We had a lovely time with some great people, yummy food, good wine, and fun times. It was so warm. I almost forgot what the sun felt like on my skin. I'm ready for a little warm weather.
My husband and I took off for a quick trip to California. We drove down to Woodlands, CA on Sunday and came back on Monday. It is hard to have a shortened week. I don't mind driving. We ate at Cache Casino on Sunday night. They have quite a place out in the middle of nowhere. The food was good, the desserts disappointing. The wine list was pathetic. I'm happy to be home.
Today was a mellow day. I got my wine shipments done. Wine samples went off to a restaurant and bar (dance hall) that's down in Roseburg. They will be opening soon and I really want them to carry our wines. It looks promising. Time will tell.
Tomorrow night is Chef's Night Out. I will be setting out from the winery around 2:30, another short day. We have to be set up by 5 PM for the fire Marshall to approve everything. I guess VIPs come in early then the rest of the guests. This is my first time at this function and I'm looking forward to it. My daughter picked out my dress to wear. She likes polka dots. Tomorrow will be for her. I'm taking three wines to the event. We're taking 2006 Chardonnay, 2004 Syrah and Marechal Foch Port. It is a fundraiser for Food For Lane County.
Thursday David will be doing a water tasting for the Coast to Cascades. He's got the palate, he will help choose the best water. I'm glad I don't have people requesting my taste buds.
Friday we will finally be bottling. It will give me a sense of moving on. There is so much we need to get done. I just want to make sure I'm not the one holding things back. I need to go over the polylam capsules soon. We will have to make a decision.
My wine is almost gone, yep, the rest of the 2006 Next Riesling. I can drink a glass out of a bottle, talk about how good it is, seal it back up and it is still in the fridge when I look for it. How many homes in America does that happen? I'm finishing it off in a couple minutes. I wonder if I will have a chance at some wine and food tomorrow night?
Off I go...until next time!
Tracy
We are going to get some advertising lined up for the summer months. Memorial Weekend Festival is coming up soon. We have a lot to get done. By the end of the week I hope to get my part done.
David went to the Celebration of Syrah in Troutdale, OR last weekend. He said the food was great and the place (McMennimins) is a wonderful place to stay. Sounds like a lot of Syrah and lovely food. What could make for a better weekend? Well....maybe.....
Saturday in Oregon was wonderful. The temperature was 86 degrees and beautiful. We went to a BBQ and out shooting. My guys are into skeet shooting right now. My son got his own shotgun and is more excited than I can remember seeing him. We had a lovely time with some great people, yummy food, good wine, and fun times. It was so warm. I almost forgot what the sun felt like on my skin. I'm ready for a little warm weather.
My husband and I took off for a quick trip to California. We drove down to Woodlands, CA on Sunday and came back on Monday. It is hard to have a shortened week. I don't mind driving. We ate at Cache Casino on Sunday night. They have quite a place out in the middle of nowhere. The food was good, the desserts disappointing. The wine list was pathetic. I'm happy to be home.
Today was a mellow day. I got my wine shipments done. Wine samples went off to a restaurant and bar (dance hall) that's down in Roseburg. They will be opening soon and I really want them to carry our wines. It looks promising. Time will tell.
Tomorrow night is Chef's Night Out. I will be setting out from the winery around 2:30, another short day. We have to be set up by 5 PM for the fire Marshall to approve everything. I guess VIPs come in early then the rest of the guests. This is my first time at this function and I'm looking forward to it. My daughter picked out my dress to wear. She likes polka dots. Tomorrow will be for her. I'm taking three wines to the event. We're taking 2006 Chardonnay, 2004 Syrah and Marechal Foch Port. It is a fundraiser for Food For Lane County.
Thursday David will be doing a water tasting for the Coast to Cascades. He's got the palate, he will help choose the best water. I'm glad I don't have people requesting my taste buds.
Friday we will finally be bottling. It will give me a sense of moving on. There is so much we need to get done. I just want to make sure I'm not the one holding things back. I need to go over the polylam capsules soon. We will have to make a decision.
My wine is almost gone, yep, the rest of the 2006 Next Riesling. I can drink a glass out of a bottle, talk about how good it is, seal it back up and it is still in the fridge when I look for it. How many homes in America does that happen? I'm finishing it off in a couple minutes. I wonder if I will have a chance at some wine and food tomorrow night?
Off I go...until next time!
Tracy
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A New Week
OK, so it's a new week. There is a lot going on this week. Today I went to a Wineries of Lane County Meeting (WOLC). It seemed to stretch on and on. We discussed the upcoming barrel tour, the Eugene Celebration, Concerts in the Park in Cottage Grove and what to do with members that don't show up to meetings. We talked about where we are going to advertise and costs. It went for about 1 hour and 45 minutes and no lunch or wine, yikes! I came straight back to the winery and had some string cheese.
We looked over the bottles that had the new labels on them. I really do like them. I hope the rest of the family can be swayed.
I hope to make a decision on new labels, bottles and capsules this week. I have a lot of calculating to do when it comes to capsules (the little things on the top of the bottle that make them look completely dressed). After all that is done I think I will need a night out! Anyone available? Maybe the weather will be great and I will just have a party. Springtime, please come quick.
Tomorrow I have appointments with Ryan from the Oregon Wine Press and the general manager of Village Green in Cottage Grove. It should prove to be an interesting afternoon. What wine shall I offer them when they come? Oh, the decisions.
We will be bottling in the next couple of weeks. That ties up a whole day and it's very loud. I answer phones and pick up lunch those days...life is rough! OK, OK sometimes I help when I have to, I really don't mind it. The only problem is it's almost too loud to talk. I'm a talker, no doubt about it, time goes faster when your mouth is running. I don't care if I'm doing the talking or someone else is. One of my mottoes: The best way to get to know someone is to work with them. Pulling weeds, cooking, bottling, labeling, serving wine...doesn't matter, I love getting to know new people.
I decided I deserved a bottle of wine and I didn't grab one from the winery, so what is a girl to do? I opened a precious bottle I have been saving, NEXT 2006 Riesling. I was hoping to share it with someone who would appreciate it, that is not my husband, poor guy (he doesn't drink). I guess I will have to have Rob, David and Tim over more often. I haven't done it the first time, but there is always a first!
My children are ready for bed so I must go. I will keep you posted on all the happenings.
Tracy
We looked over the bottles that had the new labels on them. I really do like them. I hope the rest of the family can be swayed.
I hope to make a decision on new labels, bottles and capsules this week. I have a lot of calculating to do when it comes to capsules (the little things on the top of the bottle that make them look completely dressed). After all that is done I think I will need a night out! Anyone available? Maybe the weather will be great and I will just have a party. Springtime, please come quick.
Tomorrow I have appointments with Ryan from the Oregon Wine Press and the general manager of Village Green in Cottage Grove. It should prove to be an interesting afternoon. What wine shall I offer them when they come? Oh, the decisions.
We will be bottling in the next couple of weeks. That ties up a whole day and it's very loud. I answer phones and pick up lunch those days...life is rough! OK, OK sometimes I help when I have to, I really don't mind it. The only problem is it's almost too loud to talk. I'm a talker, no doubt about it, time goes faster when your mouth is running. I don't care if I'm doing the talking or someone else is. One of my mottoes: The best way to get to know someone is to work with them. Pulling weeds, cooking, bottling, labeling, serving wine...doesn't matter, I love getting to know new people.
I decided I deserved a bottle of wine and I didn't grab one from the winery, so what is a girl to do? I opened a precious bottle I have been saving, NEXT 2006 Riesling. I was hoping to share it with someone who would appreciate it, that is not my husband, poor guy (he doesn't drink). I guess I will have to have Rob, David and Tim over more often. I haven't done it the first time, but there is always a first!
My children are ready for bed so I must go. I will keep you posted on all the happenings.
Tracy
Friday, April 4, 2008
Labels again and hard times
Yesterday was a mixed bag, as David put it. We went by the print shop and they had four very nice revised labels. David, Rob and I thought they were all nice but 2 stood out. We were pretty excited about the whole thing. My mother came up and shot them all down. She wouldn't give a reason but made it clear she didn't like any of them. Oh well, we will see what my dad has to say when he gets back from his trip.
The guy that I've been trying to get ahold of for days just showed up this morning with a ton of glass (empty wine bottles). Rob was ticked and I can't blame him. The bottle guy tried to pin it on me but when he calls finally at 8 PM nobody gets the message. I was upset also because all he needed to do was call back and tell me when he was coming. That put a bit of a dark shadow on the day.
I also got some bad news that I can't really talk about. I hope things can change enough around the winery that this passes but I'm worried. I am really sad but I understand at the same time. I think a wake up call is in order...we'll see how that goes!
Tomorrow is David's birthday so I thought I would write about his good qualities. He is a great winemaker, has a "delicate" palate and can pick up things that most people would never taste. He is a wonderful story teller and very entertaining. Sometimes he has to repeat things, I can't understand because of his accent but other times I just want him to repeat himself to hear it again. He is expressive and passionate about wine, has travelled to so many places that I'm jealous. He is smart, honest and friendly. He's a bit moody but most artists exhibit this quality. Can I say he has beautiful blue eyes without seeming smitten? (I have blue eyes myself so I am an admirer.) He's a nice guy and for the most part a fun coworker. We are lucky to have him with us, my eyes well up to think of him ever leaving us. Thank him when you see him and tell him what a good job he does! (Actually, a couple of tears popped out, shocking.)
We are still thinking of a name for our sweet dessert wine. The ones we have come up with so far are: Red Splendor, Red Reflection, Ruby Reflection, Garnet Gaze and Luscious Libation. We may have to have a vote. Wine club members, prepare yourselves. Everyone else, comment with your favorite or give me more options.
Our label order is complete...yeh! Two weeks worth of work and they will be going to the press. I know I drove the guy I've been working with crazy. I met him when we were looking at the labels yesterday. Nice guy, he said I wasn't too bad.
The next couple of weeks will be a little crazy, bottling, deciding on a new label and getting things ready for Memorial Day weekend. The fun never ends!
The guy that I've been trying to get ahold of for days just showed up this morning with a ton of glass (empty wine bottles). Rob was ticked and I can't blame him. The bottle guy tried to pin it on me but when he calls finally at 8 PM nobody gets the message. I was upset also because all he needed to do was call back and tell me when he was coming. That put a bit of a dark shadow on the day.
I also got some bad news that I can't really talk about. I hope things can change enough around the winery that this passes but I'm worried. I am really sad but I understand at the same time. I think a wake up call is in order...we'll see how that goes!
Tomorrow is David's birthday so I thought I would write about his good qualities. He is a great winemaker, has a "delicate" palate and can pick up things that most people would never taste. He is a wonderful story teller and very entertaining. Sometimes he has to repeat things, I can't understand because of his accent but other times I just want him to repeat himself to hear it again. He is expressive and passionate about wine, has travelled to so many places that I'm jealous. He is smart, honest and friendly. He's a bit moody but most artists exhibit this quality. Can I say he has beautiful blue eyes without seeming smitten? (I have blue eyes myself so I am an admirer.) He's a nice guy and for the most part a fun coworker. We are lucky to have him with us, my eyes well up to think of him ever leaving us. Thank him when you see him and tell him what a good job he does! (Actually, a couple of tears popped out, shocking.)
We are still thinking of a name for our sweet dessert wine. The ones we have come up with so far are: Red Splendor, Red Reflection, Ruby Reflection, Garnet Gaze and Luscious Libation. We may have to have a vote. Wine club members, prepare yourselves. Everyone else, comment with your favorite or give me more options.
Our label order is complete...yeh! Two weeks worth of work and they will be going to the press. I know I drove the guy I've been working with crazy. I met him when we were looking at the labels yesterday. Nice guy, he said I wasn't too bad.
The next couple of weeks will be a little crazy, bottling, deciding on a new label and getting things ready for Memorial Day weekend. The fun never ends!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
New guy, new labels and bottling
Today was a good day. No visit from parents or crazy conversations. Rob freaked out yesterday over the pressure washer but was OK today. We use the pressure washer to clean and sanitize important things (it produces steam) like the bottling line and filters. Yesterday the contractor shut off the water and a couple hours later turned it back on. Now when you live in the city that is not a big deal but in the country on a well, not so much. Rob fired up the pressure washer and there was sediment in the line and hoses busted and clogged up. Rob was not a happy camper. The repairman will be out soon.
We have a new employee, his name is Tim. Tim has enjoyed wine for about 20 years and found himself in a position to make a life change. He worked the tasting room with Trish over the weekend. Learned to label wine and wash bottles on Monday and yesterday he cleaned the rain gutters on the winery. What a testing period! He lived through the ordeal and came back for more bottle washing today. He's a nice guy to boot. Look for him in the tasting room when you come for a visit.
David and I go to look at label possibilities tomorrow. I'm very excited to see what they have come up with. I'll keep you posted (ha, ha) on what they look like. I may even post them on the blog.
I got all the price lists for the tasting room done today, entered a bunch of email addresses in the data base, cleaned out the filing cabinet, and answered emails. Answered the phone and booked a wine tasting event. Boy, I didn't do too much today, at least it didn't seem like it.
We are working really hard at getting ready for bottling, this seems like a continuing task. Are the right bottles coming, will the pressure washer be working, will the wine be ready? I will be happy when wine gets into bottles! In the mean time, we get to do tastings and come up with a new name for our sweet red wine. I might have our wine club members vote on it.
I have to run. I must watch the "10 year anniversary of Vicar of Dibley". It is so funny.
We have a new employee, his name is Tim. Tim has enjoyed wine for about 20 years and found himself in a position to make a life change. He worked the tasting room with Trish over the weekend. Learned to label wine and wash bottles on Monday and yesterday he cleaned the rain gutters on the winery. What a testing period! He lived through the ordeal and came back for more bottle washing today. He's a nice guy to boot. Look for him in the tasting room when you come for a visit.
David and I go to look at label possibilities tomorrow. I'm very excited to see what they have come up with. I'll keep you posted (ha, ha) on what they look like. I may even post them on the blog.
I got all the price lists for the tasting room done today, entered a bunch of email addresses in the data base, cleaned out the filing cabinet, and answered emails. Answered the phone and booked a wine tasting event. Boy, I didn't do too much today, at least it didn't seem like it.
We are working really hard at getting ready for bottling, this seems like a continuing task. Are the right bottles coming, will the pressure washer be working, will the wine be ready? I will be happy when wine gets into bottles! In the mean time, we get to do tastings and come up with a new name for our sweet red wine. I might have our wine club members vote on it.
I have to run. I must watch the "10 year anniversary of Vicar of Dibley". It is so funny.
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