Well, I have to tell you: I just made my last payment to the former owners. I guess I now own the winery except that I now make payments to the bank rather than to the former owners.
I don’t know how it is really different, but it feels different.
It is exciting and scary the way the economy is acting up. I think it is going to work though. I think we are in for a few dark days but after that it is going to get really good; interest rates will be low and the crazy prices of the past ten years will be more in line with reality.
I am pressing our wines. Shana Anderson, who now works for me on occassion, has been helping. She is a great worker and listener, as I tell her all my stories. I have also gotten help this year from Verne Johnson and Bob Jones.
It has been an unusual year for quality and it is way too early to know what the vintage will produce. So far we have pressed Pinot Noir, Dwelley Vineyard Merlot, (I call it) Rex’s Vineyard Merlot, and just a couple of days ago, Upland Vineyard’s Cabernet Franc. I will probably press the Upland Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon next week, almost two months after crushing the grapes.
To all: I wish you a very Merry Christmas or merry whatever you may celebrate during the darkest month of the year and I really look forward to the challenges of next year.
Ron
