Are you sitting there wondering where in the Hell your summer went? Did you accomplish anything you were hoping to? If you've looked at a calender lately you've noticed that we're creeping up on Labor Day weekend. This reminds me that harvest is only weeks away.
Saturday was one of the busiest days I can remember here in the tasting room. Perhaps word got out that we're down to just a few cases of '04 Lem and Harriot's Port. EOTM Runner-up, Ryan was gone all weekend. I have a feeling that he'll slip behind winery dog, Newman and winery pig, Minnie as Employee of the month.
In case you haven't heard, the beautiful windy dirt road to get up here to the winery is being widened and paved. I'm trying to talk the county into using yellow bricks. My son, Poison Rose wants pink bricks. You'll already notice the progress this weekend when you come up for a visit. Let us know what color bricks you want.
I love you just the way you are, Husum!
Joel
Below are a few pictures sent to us by winery visitors. I welcome any visitor who is willing to give Minnie an open mouth kiss.
Last weekend my very good friend and former employee, Matt came to visit from Washington D.C. with his friend and co-worker, Jill. They arrived just in time to witness my near death experience with the bachelorette party on Friday. That evening we went to Hooba's were we enjoyed yet another great meal and lots of beverage. The next day Matt and Jill went white water rafting with River Drifters (Riverdrifters.net). They both had a great time though Jill did get cold. Instead of leaving that evening they decided to call the airline and change their flight to Monday morning instead of Sunday morning. Sunday, Jill and Matt woke up and hung out in the tasting room visiting with the many great guests. They enjoyed themselves so much that Jill decided to make us a wonderful dinner that I coined "Circus in my mouth".
They did end up leaving Monday morning at Dawn's crack and I'm positive that they smiled all the way to Portland.
When Jill got home to D.C. she was very disappointed that her and Matt were not mentioned in the blog. That's why I'm dedicating this entire blog entry to Jill.
By the way. Jill and Matt are in a relationship that nobody knows about. Have a great day Jill!
You make love happen, Husum!
Joel
It's been two weeks since I last threw down some blog and what a two weeks it has been. We've hosted zillions of people from all over. Memorable visitors include the riesling swillers from Iowa, the younger couple from NY City, and the numerous people from Chicago. People from Chicago are right up there with Texans as far as my favorite visitors.
I want everyone to know that I'm alright after a very close call with my life. Friday while Kris was away and EOTM runner-up Ryan was working in the cellar, six attractive ladies celebrating a bachelorette party came into the tasting room. I immediately felt threatened as I felt their lustful eyes gaze at me like I was the last piece of man candy left in the candy dish. This has happened before and luckily I know how to handle myself in these kind of situations. I never let them get between me and the door and I always keep a cell phone in hand. Luckily, Employee of the Month Runner-Up, Ryan helped me calm them by giving them barrel samples. I felt so violated.
Harvest is coming soon. Should we do the harvest party again? Let me know. Last year we had lots of people turn out to help pick grapes followed by a big feast with lots of wine. I might even have one of those big keg things full of that beer that I've heard so much about.
Look for a new magazine coming out soon called "Redeviva". Yours truly will be a featured columnist and the nice editor is allowing me to write anything I want.
Please email me pictures of your visit to Wind River Cellars. As always, I'll promise to post them and then never do it.
You had me at "Hello", Husum.
Joel
I've been away from the winery for the past 4 days, leaving EOTM runner-up, Ryan in charge of the tasting room. Judging by all of the empty bottles Ryan had a very busy weekend.
I'm getting ready to go on a bottling rampage once again and it should be the final one before harvest. Harvest is this thing we do every year where grapes are picked and then brought here to be made into wine.
Our estate vineyard looks fantastic and our other vineyards are managed by professionals so I don't need to concern myself with them.
I'll be pouring wine this weekend at the Prosser Food and Wine Festival. This year they're holding it in Prosser. I have guest tickets that nobody is using. If you feel like coming along drop me an email.
I wasn't around much this week to pour wine in the tasting room but I do remember Jan and Deb from Arizona and Seattle, the three ladies from Battle Ground and the nice folks from Indiana who were rafting.
You make the summer fly by, Husum.
Joel
