Remember last blog when I said that my hands look like those of the guy who fetches parts at the junkyard? Well now they look like they were left on the side of the freeway, run over by thousands of cars and dragged to the floor of the mens bathroom in the Portland train station by wild dogs. Maybe Bonneville Resort has some sort of hand therapy treatment. They ache so bad that the only thing that makes them feel better is holding an ice cold 12 ounce beverage.
Yesterday was our annual picking party. This was the day that I showed the world that I can farm. 50 or so eager volunteers harvested our estate vineyard in sunny, 75 degree weather. As you all know, I'm not one to brag. However, I must say, I kicked that vineyard's ass this year. They should be writing journals about Silvertooth Vineyard's 2006 crop. (Silvertooth is what we call our estate vineyard)
Sure, Kris might tell you that Gavin did all the work in the vineyard over the summer, and that I couldn't farm my way out of a paper bag, but yesterday I at least felt like a farmer. Well, at least I drove a tractor, kind of like farmers sometimes do. . .sort of. Okay, so I'm not a farmer but I must say that we have some of the best estate fruit I've ever seen.
We had some great people for our picking party. Some of them left with great prizes that were hidden in the vines. One lucky picker even won a trip for two to Las Vegas. Others won sweatshirts and rafting trips. I must mention that one of our pickers just sat on her ass all day, talking about how much she loves mounted game trophies. Hood River resident, Jennifer Hart came up with the idea of decorating the entire winery with dead animal heads. Jennifer, that might look good at the Kayak Shed but I don't think it's the direction we're looking to go.
I should be done with crush by the end of the week. Today I'm crushing Pinot Noir and Riesling. Later this week I will be crushing Lemberger, Syrah and Cabernet franc. If you feel like getting out of your cubical and helping me I would love the company. Bring me some stolen office supplies.
You make my hands soft again, Husum!
Joel
