March at the Wineries

Welcome to Vine to wine this is your host Linda Moran. Yesterday we took a quick peak into what is happening in the vineyards of wine country at this time of year and today let's take a look at what is going on at the wineries. Many winemakers, at this time of the year, are tasting diligently through the resting barrels of wine, some of which have been in barrels since the harvest of 2008. They are making final determinations about which barrels to blend together and which ones to set aside as stand alone wines, and of course which ones just simply won't make the grade and will be disposed of in some other fashion. It is a fascinating and very technical process. Meticulous testing and calculating is done to determine what wines will be included, in what proportions as each may have its own unique character to contribute to the final product. Once the blend is established final quantities of each wine will be determined. In addition, all of the labels must be designed, submitted for government approval, printed and prepared for bottling. Glass bottles, corks and capsules must be selected and ordered to arrive at the winery in time to bottle the wine. It is a dance of sorts and timing is everything. Outwardly the tasting rooms may seem quiet and slow but behind the scenes things are hopping. If you hear of a winery that invites their wine club or the general public to visit while they are bottling definitely take them up on it! And thanks for joining us on today's Vine to Wine.