Notes from the Winemaker - December, 2011

Early in 2011 we lost our next door neighbor Oceanside Ale Works, we knew that this would affect our business, but were unable to move with them. We felt like it was going to be a tough year, but in fact it was our best year ever, and it has everything to do with you, our loyal Wine Club and Friends. We had more events, more facility rentals, more customers than we ever had and that was without our OAW anchor. For that I'm feeling honored and humbled by your friendships and patronage. I look forward to 2012 and what it has to bring us.

Harvest was a mess this year, early frost knocked out large percentages of our vineyards. Then early rains during harvest keptpushing back the harvest dates. We finally received our largest shipments in early November, thirty days after we should have received it. With all that said we were still able to secure some great grapes and even some new ones that will be released in late 2012 and early 2013

Finally, a special thanks needs to be said to the entire Fifty Barrels crew:

From Denise, our 'Token Chick', who keeps the boys in line and keeps all our social media up to date and fashionable, she also manages the wine club and multiple other tasks. Basically, she's doing 3 full time jobs at the winery.

To Joe, who's at the winery just about every day I'm there and then some, plus he's the one who (behind the scenes) prints the labels, gets the corks, and for some reason manages our Federal Bond.

To Mr. Brent Wells, who manages our crazy books & the 'City', he's the cellar master and keeps the winery sterile and is really the only one who can clean the tanks right. But, most importantly, he keeps our cigar inventory stocked and up to date.

Last, but definitely not least, our 51st Barrel Crew who always show up to clean, crush, press, bottle, and label all our wines....Thank You!

Cheers! 

- BXV