Vineyard Diary

Annette Hoff, the very talented winemaker over at Cima Collina has included a great article about the new San Antonio Valley appellation in her blog, Cellar Rap. In her article, Annette, who specializes in artisan wines from small Monterey County vineyards, discusses the unique characteristics that make the San Antonio Valley such a great and intriguing winegrowing region.

Enjoy,

Elsbeth
Escafeld Vineyards

The San Antonio Valley Vintners & Growers Association website has just been launched.

Check it out at www.savvga.com. You'll find lots of great info about the valley, its wineries and vineyards. You can also contact them to sign up for Associate and Friend of the Vine membership.

Enjoy,

Elsbeth
Escafeld Vineyards

The official press release covering the San Antonio Valley Appellation has been launched.

With 800+ acres of vineyards, and more than 20 varietals planted, it won't be long before many of the world class wines grown in the San Antonio Valley appellation are sporting this new AVA designation on their label. Watch this blog for information about our own San Antonio Valley label, due for release later this year.

Elsbeth
Escafeld Vineyards

With the San Antonio Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) approved, it's time to provide a little background on this region.

Monterey County's ninth and newest AVA is located at the southern end of the county, just north of the Paso Robles area, and lies between Hames Valley and San Bernabe.

From the 101, you can take the Jolon Road exit at King City and enjoy a drive through some of the most beautiful countryside and vineyards on the Central Coast. Head through Fort Hunter Liggett (be prepared to show current auto insurance and registration documents at the gate) and you'll reach William Randolf Hearst's historic Milipitas Ranch House (now the Hacienda guest lodge and restaurant), Mission San Antonio de Padua, and Nacimiento Fergusson Road (named by Reader's Digest as one of the most beautiful drives in the USA). At the southern end of the valley you'll find lakes Nacimiento and San Antonio. The annual Wildflower Triathlon, one of the largest in the world, is held at Lake San Antonio in May. The breathtaking display of spring wildflowers in the valley is not to be missed.

As for vineyards and wines, the valley is a treasure trove of dedicated growers and small producers working together to craft incredible wines. Names such as Marin's Vineyard, Newell, Margaret's Vineyard, Ronan and Escafeld are winning awards and making a splash both regionally and nationally. A number of new labels are also getting ready to launch. We'll be profiling some of these vineyards and wineries soon.

The San Antonio Valley enjoys a warmer climate than much of Monterey County, and was originally one of the first viticultural areas in the USA, thanks to Mission San Antonio de Padua, which was the third mission built in California (1771). The monks planted vineyards and established a winery, the remains of which can still be explored today.

The AVA was spearheaded by members of the San Antonio Valley Vintners and Growers Association (SAVVGA). Membership and event information for SAVVGA, and additional information about the San Antonio Valley AVA is available at:

San Antonio Valley Vintners and Growers Association
PO Box 209
Lockwood, CA 93932
E-mail vineyards@inreach.com

Elsbeth Wetherill
Escafeld Vineyards

I enjoy reading Annette Hoff's blog over at Cima Collina; she's written a great piece about how growers in the Salinas Valley creatively deal with wind issues.

Here at the northern end of the San Antonio Valley, the winds are not quite so strong, but we do have to cope with afternoon breezes that blow through the canyons and bluster across the vineyards, making head training vines very labor intensive.

If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll be well aware of our recent trellising project in the Twin Vines vineyard. We had originally head trained these vines, but we've now retrofitted with a sturdy VSP trellis and unilateral cordon training, away from the direction of the wind, fine tuning the vineyard to its location and allowing the breezes to work in our favor to prevent mildew.

We've already had a few blustery days and the vines are thriving and much less complicated to manage. We'll keep you posted as the season progresses.

Elsbeth Wetherill
Escafeld Vineyards

The Final Rule for the San Antonio Valley AVA (American Viticultural Area) has been signed and is due to be published by the end of the week.

Exciting news indeed, as this makes the San Antonio Valley the ninth viticultural area in Monterey County.

Monterey County has a reputation for world-class cooler climate varietals such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling, but the San Antonio Valley, at the southern end of the county, is quite distinct from its neighboring viticultural districts. Warm sunny days and cool airy nights provide a sweeping summer temperature cycle, allowing for the full development of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, resulting in exceptional wines that are fast gaining recognition across the nation.

The valley produces truly outstanding reds, many crafted by small limited production wineries. Escafeld Vineyards produces award winning San Antonio Valley Zinfandel and Merlot. Our wines are featured at wine shops and restaurants throughout Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties and are also available for purchase online.

Feel free to e-mail us with any questions about the San Antonio Valley, or visit us, or the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association online.

Escafeld Vineyards

Last night Escafeld poured at a function organized by Central Coast Aviation Services. Central Coast Aviation Services is a premiere FBO, renowned for providing excellent service. They are also dedicated to supporting Monterey County agriculture and wines, including a complimentary bottle of premium Monterey County wine with every 100 gallons of fuel purchased.

We had a great time at this event, held at the Rodeo grounds, pouring our '02 Merlot and chatting with guests and the folks at San Saba, McIntyre, Newell and Chalone. Thanks to all who stopped by to taste our wines. And if you're a pilot heading to the Central Coast, visit Central Coast Aviation Services and remember to pick up a few bottles of Escafeld Vineyards award winning wines with your fuel purchase.

You can visit Central Coast Aviation Services online at www.ccasfbo.com.
Central Coast Aviation Services
50 Mortensen Ave,
Salinas CA 93905
Fax 831-758-2815
Phone 831-422-7488

Elsbeth
Escafeld Vineyards