So... What is "X" Wines?

 Just to clear up any confusion I may have inadvertently caused, "X" Wines is not the name of my wine or winery.  “X” is the generic name I'm using as a temporary placeholder.  In all actuality, state regulations prevent me from revealing my actual name until licensing is complete.  With all of these steps in motion, it won't be long before I can let you know the true name of the winery.

In the meantime, I can share with you a bit about the name.  I wanted a name that exemplifies the characteristics of the varietal of grape and the actual place where the fruit comes from.  Grapes grow as nature dictates; completely affected by the climate, soil, and surroundings.  I am also a believer in creating a wine that is elegant and sophisticated.  All of these things are reflected in the actual name of the winery.

 

So what will the name be?  Stick around to find out! 

Its time to get this harvest started!

On a brisk 50 degree morning just before 5am, we started the drive up to the Russian River Valley as it was time to pick the grapes for our inaugural vintage.  The excitement I felt was indescribable!

As we arrived, a light layer of fog blanketing the vineyard. The air was damp and the bright green leaves of the vines were a beautiful contrast to the gray surroundings.

Russian River Valley vineyard

I tasted a few grapes straight from the vine and knew that this was the best time to pick.  The grapes themselves tasted sweet with intensely concentrated flavors and just the right amount of tartness.  We quickly and precisely cut the beautiful grape clusters from the vine and loaded them into the bins.
 

Kim with the vineyard managers checking the grape quality

It didn't take long before all of the grapes were picked and we were on the road again, taking the long drive back to San Francisco where we will produce the wine.  What happens next?  Stay tuned!

Vineyard Visit

When I set out to make the decision about when I thought the grapes would be ripe for picking, I had several things to consider; the color and taste of the grapes, the appearance of the stems, the amount of sugar in the grapes (called Brix), the condition of the vines and leaves, even the expected weather conditions.

A few weeks ago I headed to the vineyard to check on the ripeness of the Pinot Noir grapes.  The grape clusters were tightly formed, as is typical for Pinot Noir, and the color was a deep, rich, purplish-blue.  It didn't take long before I was compelled to pop a few grapes in my mouth which brought a smile to my face because they tasted fantastic!  This is definitely one of my favorite things about this time of year.

I took a sample so that I could test the ripeness of the grapes and it was coming right along!

Random Grape Cluster Sample

I also noticed that the seeds were still green which, if picked prematurely, would impart a herbaceous smell and taste into the wine.  Not good!  Once the grapes are fully ripe, the seeds will turn brown and this wouldn't be the case.

Grape Skins and Seeds

Determining when grapes are ripe and ready to be picked varies amongst the type of grape, the vineyard's location and from winemaker to winemaker...this determination is definitely in the eye of the beholder.  It is my intention to pick at the most perfect opportunity for my Russian River Valley vineyard's Pinot Noir to allow the wonderful flavors that I value in this fruit to carry over into the wine.  Stay tune to see that happen.

As I mentioned...taste matters a lot!

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Picking the Right Vineyard and Varietal

Like anything in life, you tend to like some things more than others.  Pepsi vs. Coke.  Hamburgers vs. Hotdogs.

While I enjoy all types of wines, I LOVE Pinot Noir. There's something about it that I am drawn to. Perhaps it is the variety of characteristics it offers; big, bold flavors with a soft and supple feeling. Colors that can range from pale pink to deep, rich burgundy. It can be enjoyed with a hearty meal or can be sipped slowly while sitting by a cozy fire. So when it came time to pick a varietal to produce, there really was no question.

I mean seriously...how beautiful do they look?

Likewise, when it came time to find the right location to source the fruit, Russian River Valley in Northern California was the obvious choice. The Russian River Valley centers around the Russian River, lying between Sebastopol and Santa Rosa to the south, and Forestville and Healdsburg to the north. The climate can be cool and the valley can be affected by the fog that is generated by its close proximity to the Pacific Ocean which makes it great for growing Pinot Noir.

Pinot Noir vineyard in Russian River Valley

The specific vineyard I chose is right in the heart of the Russian River Valley. It benefits from the early morning low temperatures and fog from the ocean which helps in a slow, even maturing of the grapes that brings out its great flavors. When I saw the specific location for my fruit, I fell in love with the slight rolling terrain and the beautiful surroundings. Walking between the rows, I noticed how perfectly manicured the vines were and how the fruit was in excellent condition. I am overcome with excitement and can't wait until the fruit is ready to pick. And trust me, it's not long now!

The Decision

One question I have been asked since starting this journey was, "Why do you want to make your own wine?"

After working over 15 years in the financial industry I realized that there was just something missing.  I had traveled from Texas to the California wine country countless times and found it a welcome escape from the demands of my job. I fell in love with the surrounding; the beautiful rolling vineyards, the fresh smells that permeated the area. On each trip, my interests in wine grew as I discovered new wineries and different types of wines all while learning more about the wine making process in general. My love of wine was definitely growing. When I'd return to Texas, I'd share stories of my discoveries with family and friends over a home cooked meal that paired perfectly with these newly discovered wines. I was thrilled with the opportunity to provide the details of what I had learned of the wines and how they were made. This was a dream and I had visioned of what it would be like to make my own wine to share as well.

On one trip in 2008, while discussing this very vision, I was presented with the idea of working at a winery during the harvest season so that I could learn first hand about the entire winemaking process. At first, I didn't think that would be possible so I dismissed the comment. However, it didn't take long before I started making phone calls to make that a reality. Less than 8 months later, I started a job at a winery in San Francisco.

From day one, I was hooked! I was able to see the process from beginning to end. We took grapes from a vineyard and turned them into an amazing bottle of wine. After some time, I was then able to take that same bottle, share it with family and friends, provide them with details of the entire process, and feel that same joy that I previously experienced while sharing those newly discovered wine, but on a much deeper, more personal level. I knew this was something I wanted to do for myself.

I hope at the end of this journey, the wines I produce bring as much joy to you as you share them with your family and friends as these experiences have done for me.

Stay connected to this site for additional details about this new winery, its name and how to purchase for the inaugural summer 2013 release.