Russian Creek Vineyards

We have completed the 2016 harvest; the grapes have been delivered. Had a yield of about 110 tons of Chardonnay and 41 tons of Merlot. It took four long nights to complete, usually starting at 5 in the afternoon and finishing about 4AM. Now is the time to be thankful to again get some sleep but also to reflect on the past year and develop a plan to make the 2017 varietal better and more plentiful. Our blocks 4 and 5 Chardonnay need some work to improve the yield. Blocks ...2 and 3 Chardonnay were terrific in all aspects...great quality and higher yield. Block 1 Merlot was average. Highlights from the 2016 growing season are: lots of rain (no shortage of water for us), many costly equipment breakdowns and repairs that delayed weed control, mild frost period, had good people helping us (thanks to Fidel, his family and friends), a 100+ft oak tree splitting in half next to two barns, free soil moisture sensors installed in Blocks 2 and 5, fruit and walnut trees very productive, Ford F250 running good after a few repairs, irrigation pumps, lines, controllers and drippers needed lots of constant attention (more to do with this one in 2017), a very hot July (5 days of 109F temperatures, 10+ days over 100F), worked on erosion issues along the creek and river, and negotiated new contract with Constellation (with better pricing!). A few photos from the past year will be added.

Despite lots of equipment issues (tractors, mowers, sprayers, harvester, irrigation lines and controllers) we are nearing the completion of our first year of ownership and our first harvest of all five blocks. Looks to be a good one. We have endeavored to use sustainable practices where/when we could and will continue to do so. We have installed soil moisture sensors to help us irrigate sensibly, set up a viticulture data collection system and employed skilled, motivated workers. We are ready for harvest and the start of a new growing season, hoping that this past year will be profitable after the grapes are delivered and we get paid.