Peace Corps Day
March 07, 2010
We have signs of the making of a beautiful day alone the shores of Seneca and in the vineyards of Glenora. While chilly, 28 degrees and winds from the west southwest, the skies are clear and there are lots of red and yellow hues on the eastern horizon.
In the vineyards—a great weather week, so there was lots of trimming and brush pulling taking place. The weather forecast for this coming week is perfect for the vineyard teams, and the buds—temperatures in the 30’s-40’s during the day and in the mid to low 20’s at night—also great for maple syrup gathering. Well the expected “shoe has dropped”! You may recall Vineyard Manager Chris attended Viticulture 2010 a couple of weeks ago. Along with many seminars regarding grape production, winemaking and marketing there is a trade show associated with it where many of the suppliers to the wine and grape industry bring their wares. This past Thursday afternoon Chris and the editor were talking when the words “oh by the way” were issued by Chris. It seems that he has located a grape harvester (a machine) that would fit into the Knapp operation quite well—you also may recall the “Purple Monster” our current harvester is approaching the age of retirement. So it appears a road trip may be in order as the aforementioned harvester is currently in Oregon—any volunteers?
The Production teams had the bottling lines at both Glenora and Knapp running this past week. The Knapp team, led by Cellar Master Rich (aka-Doc) bottled Superstition on Wednesday and the Glenora Team bottled Jammin’ Red on Tuesday and our 2009 Vidal on Thursday. The Glenora team also bid bon voyage to one of its members on Friday, Tom Hunt. Tom who has been with us during this past Fall’s harvest and has helped immensely in the cellar, is off to New Zealand to further his education and winemaking experience by taking part in the 2010 harvest which will soon be taking place there—it is Fall in the southern hemisphere. Tom has assured us that he will be back at Glenora when he returns from New Zealand; there was a caveat with regards to the fact that his return could depend on being captured by New Zealand lass. It also needs to be noted that Tom is the son of Sara and Tom Hunt of Joyful Vineyards who are part of the Glenora grower team.
On the road: The editor traveled to Albany on Monday and Tuesday as part of his role as board chair of the Finger Lakes Tourism Alliance. The purpose of the visit was to explain to (lobby) the members of the Legislature regarding the impact of the proposed reduction in funding for tourism promotion and also the impact of the closing or the reduction of services of over 30 state parks in the Finger Lakes region. Two things became very obvious—one after nearly being trampled to death by the thousands of others there doing the same thing (lobbying for other causes)—it seems everyone wants the budget cut as long as it does not impact them or their programs; and two, is that the government in Albany is like a ship of fools lost on the ocean in raging storm with no one capable of being at the helm. It is going to be interesting, and painful (unless you like more government and more taxes) to see what happens next—a new Captain and crew perhaps!!.
The building and remodeling projects at both Knapp and Glenora are progressing quite well. Chef/Contractor John has finished painting the ladies rooms at the Knapp restaurant and has completely gutted the men’s room. This coming week he and Joel will be installing new fixtures in both of the rooms. At Glenora the Spotts Construction crew along very nicely with some assistance from the Glenora team. They are now approaching the end of the Lounge construction project—there was a brief moment of celebration on Thursday at 11:04 AM when the first ever draft beer was drawn through the newly installed tap system—thanks Roger! We still are accepting name suggestions for the Lounge—remember the person who submits the name chosen will win a two night stay and the Inn and free drinks at the lounge during their stay.
On the road: Tastings on Friday at Liquor Express in Baldwinsville, and at Century in Pittsford. Saturday found the tasting team at Prestige Wine and Spirits in Orchard Park. Today Sunday we are at events in the Green Lantern in Fairport—Savor the Flavor and at Studebakers Bar and Grill in Lyons benefitting the Lyons Community Center.
Thought for the Week: Drive/Ambition - A person, as a general rule, owes very little to what they are born with - a person is what they make of themselves.
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