Easter Sunday
April 04, 2010
The skies are clear over the vineyards of Glenora and along the shores of Seneca—it seems that conditions are perfect for Easter Sunrise services in Finger Lakes Wine Country. Our temperature is 49 degrees with the wind coming from the west southwest at 4 miles per hour and our relative humidity is 72%.
In the vineyards—what a difference a couple of weeks can make!! Two weeks ago we were looking for some frost the give us some solid footing for the tractors and brush choppers, and this past week we recorded a temperature reading of 86 degrees—that along with some wind has begun to dry the vineyard floors. It is the time of year when the vineyard teams are doing “a bit of everything”—from some last minute pruning, trellis work (post pounding and wire tightening), and vine tying. And being farmers—there is always “the weather is always too hot, cold, wet, dry, etc”. Our current concern is the above average warm temperatures of the past few days, which along with the forecast for the coming week is going cause buds to swell which will make them more sensitive to cold temperatures—while the weather is great from reducing heating bills, it really is too warm for the vines as it is a long time to our first frost free part of the growing season.
In the Cellars—lots more high fives again this week—although this time it was not for new equipment but for the many awards garnered by Team Knapp and Team Glenora. The list is extensive so briefly—at the Jerry Mead’s New World International Wine Competition held in Dan Bernardino, CA. Knapp’s 2008 Estate Vidal Blanc was awarded a Double Gold medal and also had the distinction of being named The Best of Class. At the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition Glenora’s 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Mason Vineyards received a gold medal, While both wineries received many other medals in these competitions it should be noted that both the Knapp 2008 Estate Vidal Blanc and the Glenora 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon Mason Vineyards have been very consistent in the gold medal category in almost every competition they have been entered in. The sad part is, for the Knapp Team and customers is that due to the June 2009 hail storm there will be no 2009 Vidal Blanc—or any other 2009 Estate wines coming from Knapp.
Both the Glenora and Knapp retail teams reported great sales for the month of March. Both Teams reported a 25% increase in total sales over March of 2009. Since our visitor count did not increase by that percentage the growth was due to in very large part to the efforts of both teams—very much appreciated!!
On the road—once again lots of activity, particularity with the in-store tastings for the Easter holidays. Friday we were in Century in Pittsford and Pascale’s in Liverpool. Saturday found us a both Pascale’s wine shops—Liverpool and Cicero, along with being at Marketview in Rochester. Our new sales representative, Christine McAfee, was in the central and eastern part of the state calling on both Glenora and Knapp accounts.
Today both the Veraisons Team (Glenora) and Vineyard Restaurant Team (Knapp) will be offering and serving an Easter Brunch, and the Glenora Team will be offering the its regular menu starting at 4 PM. Both Chef Orlando and Chef John are offering some great and unique items on their brunch/buffet menus.
Another unique wine dinner—On Saturday evening April 17th Chef John (Knapp) and his Team will be presenting a Les "Dinners en Blanc” –a White Dinner. These dinners have been trendy in France for more than 18 years. The dinner will include five courses with each course paired with two white wines from either Glenora, Knapp or Zugibe Vineyards. In the tradition of the event attendees are encouraged to come dressed in white—French cuffs of course!!. More information at www.knappwine.com It should also be noted that almost all of the previous wine dinners have been sold out events, so if you are interested you should make reservations soon—along with starching your shirt/blouse..
Thought for the week: Perspective - You can find on the outside only what you possess on the inside.
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