The Bottle and Cork - Napa and Sonoma Wine blog

Looking for a relaxing getaway? Here’s your chance. Participate in this one time offer to receive a FREE trip to Napa Valley. Experience the countryside and take a wine tour or five. The harvest season is upon us, and the weather is beautiful. What are you waiting for! Experience the beautiful countryside of Napa Valley

Harvest season has begun in Napa, and that should be a time for everyone in the Napa Valley to rejoice. But that may not be so. I spent the last two days in the Napa Valley driving from Napa to Calistoga, hitting the crossroads, doing some photography and of course wine tasting. A quick look drive down any of the popular vineyard areas and you’ll see the signs for “20 tons grapes for sale”; open the newspaper and it’s more of the same. Although these indications may seem troubling at first, it’s my feeling that the middle and higher end wines will remain unharmed, as those who purchase them have a high affinity for their wine and deep wallets.

For the first time since traveling to the wine country I saw a sign in front of a vineyard by Whitehall Lane in Rutherford that read “20 plus Tons of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes for sale.” Wow, I thought, here we are 4 to 6 weeks away from harvesting these grapes and this vineyard as of Thursday, August 20, 2009 had no buyers. Out of curiosity, I called the phone number on the sign and talked to a person who did not want to identify himself. Last year he said these grapes sold for $4100 a ton and were purchased by V. Sattui Winery. This year V. Sattui has decided not to buy these grapes and now the grower is left holding the bag, so to speak. At this late date this grower is desperate enough to put out the sale sign in hopes of selling the nearly 7 acres of grapes by harvest time. By the way, the person on the phone told me that this vineyard is just one of many in the Valley in the same situation.

Later that day, I visited Doug Boeschen, owner and winemaker at Boeschen Vineyards. Doug stated he has seen other grapes for sale and he believes there is going to be a lot of unsold fruit at the end of harvest. Does that translate into a shortage of wine 2 to 3 years down the road?

Adding to the misery of the growers who can’t sell their grapes are those who want to sell entire vineyards. I came across three, yes three, different “For Sale” signs by real estate companies posted on plots of vineyards. Apparently these vineyard owners are in a financial state where they need to get out now. Aren’t vineyard sales usually handled behind the scenes? The last time I viewed a plot of vineyards for sale was about 40 years ago and I mused then, if I’d had $20,000 I could have bought those 26 acres of vines.

Silverado Vineyards

6121 Silverado Trail
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 257-1770

Tasting:
Daily 10:30-4:30 pm
$10 tasting fee, $20 for reserve wines
10% case discount

Tours:
Tours by Appointment , Scheduled Tours
Many tours available. Call for information & appointments

Amenities:
Wonderul hilltop location
Price Range: $18 to $100 per bottle
Established: 1981
Vineyards: 400 acres
Production: 90,000 cases
VIP Tasting: Yes
Winery Dog: Lulu

Silverado Vineyards Description
The Mediterranean-style stone winery perched atop a rocky knoll above the Silverado Trail in the midst of the Stags Leap District. The winery produces some of the best views and one of the most expansive tasting and touring options in the Napa valley.

The decadently appointed tasting center has a Mediterranean feel, tall arched windows, high wood beamed ceilings and a warm, inviting fireplace creating a elegant tasting environment. Walk out on to their cobblestone terrace with a glass wine in hand and take in the sweeping views of the valley below.

The touring and tasting opportunities at Silverado are extensive. Enjoy the Estate and Premier Tastings at their bar. Or for a treat experience their Library Tasting or the Saddleback Vineyard program limited to just six people. This tour includes barrel tasting and canapés.

There are also public tours of the winery at 10:30 and 2:30 daily by appointment. Special private tours are available with a tasting in the barrel cellar, the Silverado Room, the outdoor upper terrace or other private areas.

Silverado’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in the vineyards of the Napa Valley, whether it is Chardonnay grown in Carneros, or Stags Leap District Cabernet Sauvignon. They focus their wine-making on estate, Bordeaux Style wines producing Chardonnays, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Sangiovese, a late harvest Viognier and their prized Cabernet Sauvignon.