How Stormy Weather Impacts Our Vineyard

January was a crazy month in the Sierra Foothills with Mother Nature giving us 9.83 inches of rain. Bear in mind that for the past ten years we’ve been in a drought with very little rain in January. In fact, we haven’t seen rain like this since the winter of 1997~ over 25 years ago!

Thankfully, we saw virtually no damage to the vineyard and winery. The only issue was some minor soil erosion, but this was kept to a minimum. Last November, we seeded cover crop, which by January was well rooted. This well rooted cover crop held our soils in place. Our practice of cover cropping and limited tilling created well aerated soils that helped soak up rainwater.

With the above normal rainfall, ground water has been somewhat replenished, and the soils are saturated. While we irrigate only when necessary and try to mainly dry farm, this added rainfall is a major boost to our sustainable farming practices.

We’re in great shape so far and cautiously optimistic that Mother Nature will be kind to us in 2023.

Feb 24, 2023 at 8:53 AM Permalink

A Rising Star, Chef David Jitaro Fujimura

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Feb 22, 2023 at 8:53 AM Permalink

The Story Behind Painted Fields

When trying to find a name for the winery, our family, friends, contractors, advertising agency, and almost everyone we knew had suggestions. From over 75 potential names, including Painted Fields, we narrowed it down to a dozen appropriate names based on our ideas of wanting a wine that was elegant, timeless, and delicious.

I felt strongly we find a name that started with an “A”, as the name would show up alphabetically at the head of the list and would be easy to find in a long list of wineries. Ultimately, Andy and I decided on Andis Wines, a combination of both our names, as well as one that starts with an “A”.

But with such idyllic scenery and beautiful rolling hills, everyone involved still loved the name Painted Fields, which was the name submitted by Paul Almond and Pam Whitehead of Sage Architects, who designed the Andis Wines building and tasting room. Painted Fields is a beautiful name and was one of the remaining narrowed down names. The name even inspired renowned Hawaiian artist Kelly Sueda to come up with the Painted Fields label design.

Today, Painted Fields has become a known wine brand, producing wines that are popular and delicious. The Painted Fields brand includes wines named “Painted Fields Curse of Knowledge”, a rich Bordeaux style blend, “Painted Fields Cuvee Blanc”, a delicious light, white blend, and “Painted Fields Old Vine Zinfandel”, a blend of Zinfandel grapes taken from some of the oldest vines in the Foothills. We are pleased that Painted Fields has become so popular.

Feb 14, 2023 at 12:50 PM Permalink

Andis Partners with Junior Achievement of Sacramento

We're offering $5 meatball plates to guests throughout the month of February as an endeavor to support the Junior Achievement of Sacramento.

This is an extension from our January efforts to raise funds when guests could enjoy a bowl of soup for $5. All soup and meatball sales will be donated to the nonprofit.

Junior Achievement is the nation’s largest organization (with more than 103 operations across the nation!) dedicated to giving young people the skills they need to make wise career decisions. Many of their alumni earn college degrees and even go on to start their own businesses as adults.

Junior Acheivement depends on volunteers to mentor young people. They come from all walks of life, including business professionals, college students, parents and retirees. 

We love this program's vision and believe every little bit helps. Even a $5 plate of meatballs. 

To learn more about this program, visit JASAC.org. Please stop by for a plate so we can donate!

Feb 8, 2023 at 9:31 AM Permalink