Avenue Vine

Most of the damage was to young vines that don't yet have big, established canopies and, as a result, have much of their fruit directly exposed to the sun. Fortunately, most vines in Amador are well established, with ample canopies and deep root systems that can find water during extreme heat. On such vines, a few scorched leaves are not a problem, because there are plenty of undamaged leaves to photosynthesize the carbohydrates the grapes need.

Despite the hot July weather, harvest will be later than last year, with a moderate-sized crop. Yields in 2005 were large throughout California and, normally, vines make a natural correction and set a much smaller crop the following year. However, substantial rainfall last winter and spring seems to have mitigated the correction. Some growers are reporting very healthy yields, while others say several of their varieties, especially Zinfandel, are on the light side. Everyone, however, seems optimistic about quality, because the fruit is free of any rot or mildew, and the moderate temperatures prevailing over the past month have resulted in slow, even ripening of the grapes, which should translate into wines with rich, concentrated, balanced flavors.

Some Vine Facts:

Here are some Amador County vine facts you may find of interest about viticulture in California, culled from the 2005 Grape Acreage report published by the California Department of Food and Agriculture.

As of 2005, there were 522,000 acres of wine grapes in California, 62% red varieties and 38% white. Chardonnay, with over 97,000 acres is the single most-planted variety, with Cabernet Sauvignon second at 79,000 acres and Merlot and Zinfandel both topping 50,000 acres.

In Amador, there are approximately 3,100 acres of vines (six-tenths of a percent of the state's total), with Zinfandel, at 1,885 acres, comprising 63% of plantings. Other varieties with significant acreage include Syrah, Sangiovese, Barbera and Sauvignon Blanc. Amador is distinguished by having one of the highest percentages of both old vines (over 600 acres) and organically farmed vines of any region in California.

Up-coming Amador County Events:

Beat the Rush for the Big Crush!

Once again, the Amador Vintners offer you the perfect opportunity to experience the glorious wine grape harvest season while enjoying a wonderful weekend in California's scenic Sierra Foothills. Our annual "Big Crush" Harvest Festival, held this year on Saturday, October 7th and Sunday, October 8th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers great wine, food and fun at 27 family-run Amador County wineries. Enjoy great wines poured from barrels and bottles, delicious food, live music, and a big raffle for prizes, including complimentary dining and lodging in Amador Wine Country.

Tickets for the Big Crush, good for both days and all "Big Crush" activities, are $20 per person in advance and $25 on event days at participating wineries. Each ticket includes a commemorative wine glass.

Tickets will be sold online through October 2nd at www.amadorwine.com or can be ordered by calling 1-888-655-8614. For more information, visit www.amadorwine.com, call 888-655-8614 or e-mail jamie@amadorwine.com.

Montevina Winery Barbecue
Sunday, October 15, 2006, noon to 5 p.m.
Feast on Kahlua Pork and Hawaiian-Style Tri-Tip, savor Montevina wines, and enjoy live music, a raffle for prizes and discounted wine prices. For tickets and more information, call 209-245-6942 or visit www.montevina.com.

Shenandoah Vineyards and Sobon Estate
September 30th and October 1st
Shenandoah Vineyards is celebrating its 30th crush in Amador County while sister winery Sobon Estate commemorates 150 years of fine wine making in Amador. Enjoy special discounts both days. Tickets for a special anniversary barbecue on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. are $30 per person ($15 for wine club members). To order and for more information, call 209-245-4455 or e-mail info@sobonwine.com.

Sutter Creek Wine Fest
November 11, 2006 - doors open 4:30 p.m.
A fundraiser for the Amador Arts Council, this popular wine tasting event kicks off the town of Sutter Creek's holiday shopping season. Pick up a wine glass and map at the Sutter Creek Auditorium, then locate two dozen winery pouring stations in the auditorium and in the charming shops along Sutter Creek's Main Street. For tickets and information, call 209-267-9038 or visit www.acaconline.com.

Amador County Vintners Website Ass.--(click here)