Veraison

What is Adopt a Grape?

We are a community whose passion grows in the vineyard; that develops in wooden barrels, and gets better with age.

Our mission is to educate; to bring you into the vineyard; to let you live our dream. Be a part of the lifecycle, become a member of our community.

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Sep 11

Interview with Adopt a Grape Viticulturalist Jim Barbour

1 Comment

An insightful interview with viticulturalist Jim Barbour. Jim discusses working with Heidi Barrett, his philosophy on growing grapes and the interesting year we have had in the Napa Valley.

Aug 12

Veraison 2008 is Here in Adopt a Grape's Vineyard

1 Comment

Jim Barbour recently took me through the vineyard and discussed Veraison with me. Veraison is the stage where the grapes begin to turn from green to purple. It is a very visual cue that shows us which bunches of grapes are ripening too slowly to make great wine. Those clusters will have to be thinned out.

I love picking Jim’s brain about what is happening in the vineyard. He is a patient teacher!

Sep 17

Sugar Sampling

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We have been sampling grapes for a few weeks. Rather than expecting the grapes to be ready to pick now, what we are looking for is a ratio of pH, Total Acid, and Brix (Sugar). If those ratios are in balance now, it is more likely they will stay in balance as the fruit ripens.

Jul 24

Veraison: Changing Colors in the Vineyard

4 Comments

Veraison is a very important stage in the lifecycle of the vineyard. Veraison is visually brilliant, the grapes will turn from a dull green to a vibrant purple. It’s just important that all of blocks in the vineyard go through veraison at the same time. This will ensure quality fruit.