Enobytes Wine Blog

Ancient Peaks Winery is riding high. Not only does it sit a bit higher in elevation, but the recent certification of its Margarita vineyard as Sustainable in Practice, or SIP, is another feather in an already festooned cap.

This is a storied vineyard in a storied place. Franciscan missionaries founded rancho Santa Margaraita, at the foot of the Santa Lucia Mountains and the top of the Cuesta Grade between San Luis Obispo and Atascadero, CA in 1774. The vineyard itself was planted by Tim Mondavi in the 1990’s and was purchased by Doug Filipponi and his partner Karl Wittstrom in 2005. Read the rest of this entry »

As predicted, the combination of high temperatures, drought and high winds have resulted in the worst fires in Australia’s history. Whilst the loss of life (currently at 106, not to mention those with severe burns) and properties is undeniably paramount, many of these fires have wiped out established vineyards in the Yarra, Beechworth and Bendigo. Even where fires have not burnt-out vineyards, the level of smoke-taint will mean that the vintage will for many producers, be unsalvageable. Fires around the Hunter Valley in NSW will likely replicate this scenario.

Meanwhile in Queensland they are experiencing some of the largest floods in the states history with 65%+ of the state currently under water.

Tasmania experienced a rare heat wave earlier this year and as such, this is unlikely to be a standout vintage for them.

The south of WA including Margaret River and Great Southern seem to be OK at this stage – though the experience of the last few years means no one is counting on a sure thing.

~ Peter Nixon, Australia correspondent

Boonville, Calif., May 8, 2008 – The newest winery in Anderson Valley, Calif. debuted May 8, 2008 with the launch of Foursight Wines, a small family owned and operated winery producing just a few hundred cases of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc each year.

Foursight Winery, Charles Vineyard, Anderson Valley

Read the rest of this entry »