In a year such as we’ve had in 2010, one would think that conditions for an outstanding vintage would be a given. Warm, dry weather with an associated reduction of disease pressure and an apparent decline in Japanese Beetle populations have put us a little closer to the ideal growing conditions enjoyed by our West Coast brethren. We have however, a new threat to wine quality that goes beyond our normal climatic challenges in the Mid Atlantic – the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug.
Continue reading # 12- A Stinky Situation – Stink B...
Vineyard Update 9/29/10
It’s hard to believe that here we are, on the 29th of September, and I’m about to tell you that harvest is nearing its end. But here we are!
Continue reading #11- Vineyard Update 9/29/10
Today we picked the first grapes of the 2010 vintage. As usual, Seyval Blanc was the first variety to ripen. But we’re astonished at how early this year – it’s the earliest picking date in our winery’s history. Thus far, the earliest harvest for Seyval had been in 2009, and we picked on September 4th. All season you’ve heard us saying that the vineyard appeared to be running about two weeks ahead as a result of the hot, dry, weather. So far, these estimates are showing to be true.
Continue reading #10-Harvest Begins!
Monday, 9 August, 2010 by Jason Burrus in
The Winery with No Comments
Join us Saturday, August 21 for the last Production Tasting of the year!
The theme is Bordeaux / Meritage reds. The wines are selected for their inclusion of varieties that feature prominently in Virginia (Cabernet Franc and Merlot). Here is the lineup:
Continue reading Production Tasting – Bordeaux & M...
After a winter such as this past one, with record setting snowfall and heavy rains, one would think drought conditions in the summer months would be improbable. And one would be correct; if one were not a grapevine. While the water table and other reserves of drinking water currently remain at stable levels, the lack of rain combined with record high temperatures have created ‘drought like’ conditions in most vineyards in the area.
Continue reading #9- Drought Hits the East: Tom’s V...
Tuesday, 20 July, 2010 by Allan in
The Winery with No Comments
FESTA RAPPAHANNOCK 2010
- July 31 & August 1 -
Update: Ticket price now includes the tasting of 15 unique wines!
The Rappahannock Family of Wineries is celebrating the launch of our wine trail at Rappahannock Cellars with a “coming out” party, FESTA RAPPAHANNOCK, on Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, August 1,
from 11 am to 5 pm. Proceeds will help benefit Hospice of the Rapidan.
Continue reading FESTA RAPPAHANNOCK – Updated!
Friday, 9 July, 2010 by John Delmare in
The Winery with No Comments
Well as fate would have it we are seeing a very challenging year unfold in the vineyard. Early bud-break, spring frost, spring rains, and then the heat and drought! We are scampering around putting out our irrigation system as some of the vines are starting to show the first signs of
Continue reading Vineyard Update, July 2010
Wednesday, 30 June, 2010 by Allan in
The Winery with No Comments
Come celebrate America’s Independence at Rappahannock Cellars.
Join our staff on the 4th of July Weekend for New Wine Releases, Live Music and Fine Foods!
New Wine Releases:
Continue reading 4th of July Weekend
We’re coming up on our 10th anniversary here at the Cellars. As we prepare to close out a decade of fantastic wines, visitors, and memories (and to welcome in the “twenty-teens,”) we find our name to be regarded among the best in the industry. Our family, the Rappahannock Family, has been the driving force behind our growth and success in the Virginia Wine industry: our fans, our customers, our friends, our wine club members, and of course, our staff and immediate family. We’re thankful and proud of everyone’s dedication, and we’re proud of all of you!
Continue reading 10th Anniversary Coming Up, Inaugural Ne...
As mentioned in my first quarterly update, the vines are at risk from frost during the spring months, and as fate would have it – that’s just what happened. On the morning of April 29th, we had a frost event. Of the three vineyards we farm, only one was seriously affected.
Continue reading #8- Vineyard Update, June 2010
