Vineyard Diary

The new trellising we've installed in the Twin Vines vineyard is a dream, and the vines are coming along very nicely. We'll continue to keep pictures coming, but, as Steve is away at the moment, and he's the resident photographer, we'll have to wait until next week to post another vineyard photo update.

The critters seem to like the new vineyard system too; I had another near miss with a rattlesnake last night. They're quick movers, so it can be a little hair-raising. We've seen plenty of other snakes around the ranch: king snakes, racers and gopher snakes, and they don't bother me one bit, but rattlers are a danger to Star The Dog, who was bitten on her hind leg last year. She hasn't learned her lesson though; if she sees a snake, she still can't resist going over for a good look. My friend sent me a link to a company that manufactures snake repellent, if it works, it might be worth a try--thanks Anne!

The kids have a few days off school for the Salinas Valley Fair, so I'm taking some time out today to play.

The Fair hosts the annual Monterey Wine Competition, which we haven't entered yet, but I'm hoping to enter our 2003 Merlot and 2003 Zin next year.

Our new labels have arrived and Georgie is busy designing wine labels of her own. She's asked me to pick a favorite. I need some help, so here are the four choices and we're welcoming votes.

Elsbeth
Escafeld Vineyards