Harvest 2015 is underway! To fully appreciate the art of winemaking, VAULT29 is taking you behind the scenes during the busiest - and most exciting - time of year in wine country. New wine brand, Erin E., hit the scene with a 2013 Sonoma Stage Pinot Noir and is now in the midst of harvesting syrah with fellow friend and wine maker, Carolyn Craig. Here's an insiders look at the 2015 harvest of syrah which will be made into a rosé.
Hillside fruit. Must pick with caution!
It's a family affair! Friend and wine maker, Carolyn Craig, checks in on the vineyard site. Erin's husband, Karl, and father-in-law, John, walk through the vines one last time before harvest begins. Karl and Erin's children, Patrick and Cameron, walk through the Syrah vineyard checking the brix with Carolyn.
Syrah grapes are looking good - 22 brix!
Below: Erin uses an "old school" refractometer to check the brix (sugar levels).
We highly encourage you to get to know this newcomer! Her 1st vintage pinot noir is from Sonoma Stage Vineyard which is located in the newly founded wine territory between Petaluma and Carneros at the southern end of the Sonoma Coast AVA known as the Petaluma Gap. Read more about Erin E. in "Building of a Brand."