Sierra Foothills/Nevada County: Harvest Report from Smith Vineyards (Grass Valley)

Christina Smith of Smith Vineyard, Grass Valley, Sierra Foothills/Nevada County writes:

Primitivo veraison

"Our reds have completed veraison and our Chardonnay looks like it will be ready to harvest in 1 to 2 weeks.  We are monitoring the sugar content daily.  We are dropping fruit, especially the Primitivo.  This insures quality over quantity.

It has been a great spring and summer.  As far as the crop goes, we couldn't ask for better.  We didn't lose any fruit this past spring ( no frost) and survived the hail storm in May. The reds were not in bloom yet and the Chardonnay was through bloom. Yes amazing!  One of the thrills of farming is living in an awareness that we really control so little when it comes to weather."

 

More about Smith Vineyard:

The Smith Vineyard is located in the Sierra Foothills town of Grass Valley, California at an elevation of 2500 feet.

Smith Vineyard produces hand crafted, small-lot estate wines. Our 10 acre vineyard is planted in premium varietals, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo, Syrah and Chardonnay. Dr. Wayne Smith fulfilled his desire to farm when he planted the first vineyard block in 1980, Wayne's dedication to organic farming soon followed.

The winery began operation in 1987. The winery is housed in a restored barn that dates back to the early 1900's, it is surrounded by a rich canopy of pines and heritage oaks.

Today... Wayne's grandsons, the third generation, work alongside their parents, Gary and Chris, in the operation of the Vineyard and Winery.