Empty Bottles, Empty Barrels

We had nothing short of an amazing dinner at Mikuni's last night with most of the Andis team.  Hosted by Mikuni's owner Taro Arai, a masterful showman who also delivers the goods, it was the perfect moment for a celebration.  With a crush pad full of empty barrels and empty bottles the winemaking calendar comes full circle again.  Tomorrow we begin the 2012 harvest season, a year that has been as beautiful in the vineyards as any in recent memory.  Next week, we bottle the first of the reds from last year's grapes.  The enduring magic of this craft is this annual transformation from simple grape to delicious wine.  It is a cycle that never stops inspiring excitement, awe, and a profound appreciation for the bounty we are yearly blessed with.  Happy 2012 Harvest To All!!