Toad's Blog

It's the end of July but finally, a little color is starting to show up in our Goldie's Vineyard Pinot Noir grapes. These multi-colored clusters are pretty to look at only eye candy for now but don't let that fool you, they are quite tart right now. No worries, as it won't be long before the sugars start to rise. This process is called "verasion" and it is the beginnings of grape ripening. Verasion was later than last year here in the Goldie's Vineyard by about a week and it was about two weeks later than usual last year so we are kind of "behind the eight ball". The good news is that the Pinot Noir is healthy and plentiful.   ... READ MORE

It is going to be warm and FINALLY act like summer in Sonoma County this weekend. Cooking Light Magazine suggests popping open a bottle of Rose' for your July 4th celebration and includes our Eye of the Toad on their list of 5 choices (July 2011 issue).   ... READ MORE