It is a beautiful time of year here in the Verde Valley and as we approach the holidays we wanted to take time to update you on our 2024 harvest as well as share some exciting new wine releases and upcoming events!
NEW WINE RELEASES:
Just in time for the holiday season we have TWO exciting
new Estate wines released for you to enjoy!
2022 Orange Blend-Estate
An intriguing blend of Marsanne, Roussanne & Pinot Grigio with aromas of brown sugar & caramel with a Dry orange zest finish!
Retail: $32.95
2021 Syrah-Estate
Dark Cherry, rose hips & fig open this beautiful wine followed by white pepper, cardamon & forest floor on the palate with good acidity.
Retail: $36.95
Our Wine Club Members receive 10-20% Savings. Not a Member, JOIN today!
HARVEST UPDATES:
By Chris Whitehorn-Winemaker & ever-vigilant vine whisperer
As we move into the brisk weather of November many of us in this industry are finally settling down. Fermentations are quietly finishing, chemistries and gallonage are carefully tabulated and put to rest, the grind and drone of machinery becomes less present in daily life, and many of us take some time to just catch our breath. November, in my mind, is a time for retrospect. The “Hay” is in the proverbial “Barn” and we can look back on the growing year, note our successes, our failures, and those events we had no control over.
Our year was very eventful! Though in many ways that term is not necessarily positive in a farming context, you usually want things consistent and unsurprising. Late frost damaged much of our low-lying acreage, a hail event caused some furrowing of brows and some crop losses, an unusually hot and dry monsoon season, and a lack of being able to employ nutrition at critical points of influence throughout the season produced very spotty if not expected effects on pest pressures and growth kinetics. Those factors all influence fruit composition, and so it will be reflected in the vintage. That’s not to say that we didn’t bring in good fruit from what was there, but the wines carry the marks of a turbulent year. Many of us would say that overcoming such difficulties improves us as individuals, and the same can be said for the 2024 vintage. While I say that November is a time for retrospect, it’s also a time for rest, research, and going about making plans for the coming season. Some might think it’s a bit excessive doing 6 months of planning and preparation, but in the context of farming the work is never done. We can always find room for improvement, innovation and insight. I hope you, the reader, find similar solace in the season of reflection, gratitude, and gathering with family over your meals of choice to reflect upon the year together. Hopefully over a wholesome, hand-made, hard-fought bottle of a good vintage. Because those values are something to be celebrated.
Cheers!
UPCOMING EVENTS
- WINE PAIRING DINNER: Sat November 23rd at 6:30 PM. $150
- Semi-annual WINE CLUB PARTY: Members will enjoy live music featuring Billy Bond, great bites and of course amazing wines. Members can also pick up their December club selections. Saturday Dec 7th from 12:00 – 3:00 PM RSVP to kerry@alcantaravineyard.com or annie@alcantaravineyard.com. Complimentary for Members.
- VALENTINES DAY/LIVE MUSIC: Fri Feb 14th-Sun Feb 16th. Two for one Tastings and Chocolate Specials all weekend.
- BLENDING EVENT WITH THE WINEMAKER: Sat March 22nd 12:00 – 3:00 PM. Space is limited to 12 so RSVP today! $75/$60 Members
- EASTER EGG HUNT/ADULT EASTER EGG HUNT: Sun April 20th. Complimentary
- Spring WINE CLUB PARTY: Sat May 3rd. Food, music and pick up party. Complimentary for Members.
- 16th ANNUAL ZINFEST: June 7th, 2025. Includes food, poster, festival shirt, music, tasting & cornhole competition. $120/$90 Member
Do you have an upcoming SPECIAL EVENT or WEDDING? Looking for a great location for your next GROUP MEETING? Alcantara is the perfect place to host your next event! Contact annie@alcantaravineyard.com for more information and pricing.
Thank you again for being a valued customer and wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Cheers!!
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