A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS + SARAH
October 2023
As we embark on Gros Ventre’s 15th harvest, the main theme of the year so far is LATE. The cool, wet winter and mild summer meant everything started growing later, from peaches to blackberries to, of course, the grapes. For the first time in recent memory, Chris wasn’t laboring on Labor Day weekend! The last vintage it brings to mind is 2011, when we didn’t bring in fruit until late September. We always feel like we’re catching up and running behind, so this extra time in August and September is a wonderful luxury. (don’t ask us how we feel in November when Chris is still at the winery)
Our first pick is always the Chenin Blanc, and this year was no different. 2023 has brought a small crop, which meant it ripened earlier than other vineyards by a few weeks. After working with this Chenin for 6 years, we’ve learned that it gains weight in the bottle, making good acidity critical to balance the relatively broader mouth-feel. In sum – it needs to be picked at just-ripe. As of first week of October, we’ve picked about half of our Pinot and are just bringing in some Gamay. Thankful for an October heat spike that will finally bring up the sugars and get these grapes ripe!
Healdsburg Updates
Our town’s ascent as a food & wine mecca continues. The community as a whole was saddened when local favorite Campo Fina closed its doors due to rising rent in November ’22. Lucky for us, a young group of local talent opened Molti Amici this summer in the same space. Their backgrounds are exceptional (lots of Michelin stars) but their sense of fun and creativity is what makes this place so awesome. They’re pouring Gros Ventre Fiano. And… they brought back the Bocce ball court.
Quail & Condor is another newer favorite. This bakery is owned and operated by SingleThread alums (who also partner in Molti Amici) and we can’t help but frequent this place at least weekly. French pastries, amazing sourdough, and the prettiest avocado toast. These same folks own and operate the tiny Troubador (sandwich shop by day, fine French cuisine by night) that’s also outstanding. Just a few tables. Great wine list. (look for us)
And have you checked out the new Montage Resort yet? Sarah just spent a day with girlfriends at the spa and pool and had a blast. It’s luxurious and fun, and the staff is great. (they’ve also been big supporters of Gros Ventre, and the local community, which we appreciate)
If that’s not enough reason to visit, we (Chris and Sarah) are now hosting all tastings personally at our winery and vineyard locations in Healdsburg. Our new tasting parklet at Healdsburg Custom Crush is finally complete. The surrounding vibe is of the industrial working winery, but the jasmine, ferns, and other greenery in the space have brought in hummingbirds and butterflies, and so far our visitors have said it’s been the highlight of their tastings. We’ve also been hosting groups in the vineyard at Limerick Lane, which is absolutely beautiful and as close to the vines as you can get. After a year of hosting tastings ourselves, we’ve gained not only greater closeness to the wines (constant evaluating) but made new bonds and enjoyed many great moments with our customers. It has filled our cup. If you’d like to join us for a tasting, please email info@grosventrecellars.com for availability.
Have a wonderful fall – we hope to see you soon!
Chris and Sarah