Killdeer in the Vineyard

We've got a nesting pair of these in the middle of the Gewurztraminer block at Township 7 Okanagan this spring. There's four eggs in the ground nest right beside a trellis post. When we get too close in our work, the nearest adult bird puts on the traditional broken wing display in an attempt to lure us from the critical nesting area. Dead serious for the bird, very funny for the humans.

Planting Anyone?

I know it's short notice but if anyone cares to join us at Township 7 Okanagan tomorrow, we could use your help.
We're doing some Chardonnay replants. We offer a few bucks, some beer and our eternal gratitude.
Come by around nine in the morning if you're so inclined. Prepare to get dirty.

Shauna and James

Shauna and James, originally uploaded by Dexwriter.

New Chard

New Chard, originally uploaded by Dexwriter.

The Cerqueira team

The Cerqueira team, originally uploaded by Dexwriter.

It's not all easy.

It's not all easy., originally uploaded by Dexwriter.

WIne Pouring Last Week

At Taylorwood in Yaletown. Had a hair day so on goes the Appellation America cap.

Stan Carter preaches to the converted at Township 7's massively successful open house over the the April 14-15 weekend.

It was fun to meet everybody!

Off to Utah

I'm gone for a week for an international ski patrol congress.

Hope all the running around like a decapitated chicken, getting the winery and vineyard in order, has been worthwhile.

Precision Viticulture.

PV is beginning to make some waves here.
It's all about making use of some technological analyses to help a vineyard produce better grapes.
If you're not a techie (as I am not), it's a little mind-boggling the first go around.
But don't be a Luddite. Don't be afraid of the future.
Josh got into it over at Pinotblogger - read my comment and others HERE.

All BC Winemakers and wine drinkers...

Take a moment to read this article on the Appellation America site. Clark Smith of Vinovation holds forth in a rambling but thought provoking discussion about terroir and technology.

Can't wait for part two coming on April 20th.

The subject of terroir and a sense of place in BC wines is going to become more dominant in the coming months and years. Marketers and owners (and some wine makers) are going to want to define their wines by some kind of link to the geography.

So far, there hasn't been a lot of distinction in this department around here. And, according to Clark, many Napa Cabs share that same affliction; they all taste the same and not particularly distinctive.

Vineyard Demands Take Priority

This time of the year the demands of the vineyard require certain things to be done now rather than later! Nature has a timetable and we're just following along. Here the crew works on training wire for Township 7 Okanagan.

Allright! Not exactly a vineyard shot

Allright! Not exactly a vineyard shot, originally uploaded by Dexwriter.