April 2007

April 2007 Contra Costa Wine Group Newsletter

 The last meeting of the CCWG was held on the back patio of Bob and Mary Lu Burchard at their lovely home in Martinez.  It was a lovely evening, the host hors d’oeuvres were wonderful and we almost completely filled that patio.  I tried to count noses and am quite sure that more than 50 members and friends were at the meeting.  If you weren’t there, you missed a very good one!

Carl and Cherie Lyle made a very nice presentation on how they went about creating their new, commercial winery, Deer Ridge Vineyards.  Carl had several drawings showing the layout of the future winery in Livermore.  The CCWG membership in attendance asked lots of questions on many different aspects of the project.  Carl mentioned that he has applied for 3 patents that revolve around winery safety and efficient operations and may apply for a 4^th patent soon.  The latest is that the winery is planning a “soft” opening on Memorial Day weekend, possibly under a tent and one in which no wine will actually be sold.  The more formal opening of the winery is set for right around the 4^th of July.  All in all, the Lyles made a very nice presentation for the benefit of those in attendance, especially those of the membership that might also harbor dreams of starting their very own commercial winery.

I have had some initial contact from the President of the Orange County Wine Society regarding the upcoming Orange County Fair.  It was quite preliminary as June 16^th was the only date given to me.  My part time employer, Mike Orton, of The Valley Vintner, has already agreed to be a drop off point for people that would like to enter their wines into that prestigious competition.  Much more information on that judging will be given to you all in the next newsletter (I hope).  You can also try to garner more information at their website: www.ocws.org

Dick Ingraham gave me a brochure on “Courses in Winemaking and Viticulture” from the U.C. Davis Extension.  I would suggest that you go to www.extension.ucdavis.edu/winemaking  for all of the information that you need to sign up for these classes.  Unfortunately, some of them have already started, so act soon!

Our next meeting is going to be held Friday, April 27, 2007 at around 7:30 p.m. at the home of Tony and Holly Blackburn in Martinez.  Tony is also the “stuckee” for putting on a program that evening.  I believe that he plans on making a presentation on Cooperage selection and Barrel Treatment.  Whatever he comes up with will be well thought out, I’m sure, and of great value to the assembled members that evening.

Here’s a reminder for the May meeting.  To avoid a conflict with the Memorial Day weekend, the meeting will be held Friday, May 18^th at the home of George and Pam Rammell in Concord.  Mark your calendars now!

Michele and I are off to the East Coast to visit Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, northern Florida and a bit of Tennessee.  We’re leaving the 10^th and returning the 24^th.  That’s the reason for the early newsletter this month. 

See you all at the meeting on the 27^th of April.