pick'n grapes

[rrawhide]

Met a fella at the Fresno Fair Wine Garden when I tasted a zin blend
that he was pouring. Pretty good so started talking to him and
found that he was the owner/winemaker of Milla Vineyards in
Fresno. He is a 3rd generation winemaker - the farm is over 147
years old. He has a block of 80 acres and a 40 acre block of wine
grapes. He also farms pomegranates - 40 acres. Anyway, he
stated that he had some new grapes that were not going to be picked
this year and were is dropping for the birds. Well, you know I
could not let this go by, so I asked if I could go and glean the
remains. Shore, he said, but he had not been in the vineyard for
the past 10 days or so since the fair started. Anyway, got there
Monday, and most of the grapes had raisined and were no good.
But, I was able to get about 50 pounds. 35# of petite syrah and
15# of ruby cabernet. So, since it was such a small batch, I
de-stemmed and crushed by hand and it was fun. In primary now
just having a happy time. The starting brix was almost 30 so it
will be awhile. I did dilute a with a little water to bring it
down. (I did it according to the dilution chart in one of my
books.) The ph is a little over 4 so don't know what to do there
but the acid is .65. Color and aroma seems fine at this point so
just busily punching down the cap 2-4 times a day.



He apoligized for the condition of the grapes but said I was a little
late this year but get to him earlier next year and he will hook me up
with whatever I want. hummmmmm!!! I also asked if he ever
needs any extra help and he said, always!!!! Mainly on the
bottling/labeling/packing line. He says he only pays in
wine!!!! Hummmmmmmmmmm!!! What seems to be wrong with this
- can't seem to find anything!!!!



Anyway, if you get a chance his web address is www.millavineyards.com.

I maybe have struck gold. let you know more later.......



rrawhide

 

[NorthernWinos]

Gee...those raisiny grapes should be good too...Isn't that the type of grape they made a really good wine with...maybe Amarone or something like that?????

 

[Nebraska-Wino]

rrawhide...


If I were you, I would definately "help" him out next year! Sounds like it could be fairly "rewarding" as well as fun.

I used to live in Clovis (next to Fresno)before moving and retiringto Nebraska in early 90's. I was CFO for a large ag lender and got to meet lots of extremely nice vineyard and winery folks. Unfortunately, I was not into winemaking at the time as it wasn't untilretirement that it became a hobby (actually a passion ... complete with backyardvineyard).


Good luck and have fun !!!

 

[Bert]

Sounds like you may have found a place to do a little work, learn about making wine, and get some wine in return....If you can make it work for you it could bea good deal....GOOD LUCK..

 

[grapeman]

Sounds like fun for this year. You got to go out in a real working vineyard. I hope you kept yours eyes fully open. Never know when the bug will hit you to have a nice big vineyard yourself. The grapes should make you a nice wine and give you some to get going with for this year. Next year, help him and help yourself by helping him.

 

[s.arkvinomaker]

Lucky dude! I wish I could come across a deal like that. That could definely
be a win win situation for him and you. I'd be sure to pick his brain on winemaking and tending a vineyard if you are ever interested in growing yourself.