This is shaping up to be a hot, dry year in wine country – with many vineyard managers and armchair prognosticators wondering if we’ll see some of the earliest-ever harvests of grapes in Sonoma County.
After an evening at the Haun Vineyard last week (in which Charlie and Graham tried to project the date we’ll bring in their beautiful Merlot grapes), we decided to open the guessing to our Tribe members (with great prizes).
So, we welcome you to participate in our first-ever Red Grape Harvest Date Contest. Here are THE RULES:
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Comment on this blog post with your guess (oops, I mean your scientific forecast) of the date and time we’ll harvest our first red grapes. Your entry should look something like: 9:15 am, September 14, 2014. You can show your work if you like, but make sure the date & time are up front!
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Deadline for entries is midnight on July 10, 2014. Update: We’re extending the deadline to midnight Monday, July 14, 2014.
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One entry per person.
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We’ll keep you updated on this blog and social media with veraison spotting and Charlie’s Weather Reports.
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When we get the first red grape delivery at the winery, we’ll mark the time the truck pulls into our gates as the winner.
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The closest guess to the right date and time gets a coupon for 90% off any order up to $250. (Legally, in the state of California, we can’t give away wine.) Winner can pick up wine in the tasting room or have the wine shipped to legal destinations in the United States.
Questions? Email Kelly Meeker.
Information and Resources
Here’s a little background information to add to the fun.
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We get grapes primarily from Sonoma County, but also from Mendocino County and Sierra Foothills (Yuba County). Update: For the purposes of this contest, we’re counting grapes for The Meeker Vineyard wines only, not Lucas J Cellars.
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We harvest a wide range of varietals, from Zin and Syrah to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
No more tips. Let the games begin!