With this Fall only bringing us one rainstorm so far, we are STILL out in the vineyards. But sadly and most unfortunately, it is really not for the best reasons.

We have to say goodbye to some older and lower producing vineyards, which can at times be sad. Market conditions and grape supply in the grape industry have pushed prices for wine grapes to lowest prices I have ever had to work with. A switch to higher producing and more efficient systems (and/or more desirable varieties) is what needs to happen if we are going to keep going and survive in this competitive business. The costs associated with removal and redevelopment can be high, and a slow return on the new vineyard always makes this a very tough decision.

This may sound a bit grim, but there is the good news! We should have some very nice, new varieties and wines available! As we get these new vines in the ground next year I will start to share those with you. At Grand Island Vineyards we pride ourselves on our estate grown grapes and wines made in house and are happy for you to see and experience the process and taste the high quality wines that come from all the hard work.

These pictures show nothing too pretty right now. There is sort of an exciting new beginning happening and we will follow that until we get to taste it out of a proper bottle. This should happen at some point down the road, we will definitely let you know.

Happy Holidays!

With Happy Holidays from everyone here at the Grand Island Vineyards tasting room! Oh boy, has 2020 been a ride! Even though we have moved into the purple tier, we are still offering tasting on the patio. As you all know we have our fire pits but we also added a couple of additional pit tables to keep you all toasty as you enjoy our wine. Make sure to book your tasting in advance.

Grand Island Vineyards would also like to help make life a little easier on you during this pandemic holiday season by offering e-gift cards and discounted wine packages that can easily be shipped.

We wish you and your family a warm, healthy, and glorious holiday season. Thanks for "taking the 2020 ride" with us. We could not have done it without you. Cheers to 2021!

First, our newly released 2018 Grand Island Vineyards Pinot Noir is one of my favorite wines to pair with turkey and cranberry sauce, or Ham. This wine pours a bright ruby color. The initial aromas are a subtle hint of cherry cola and sweet baking spice. As the wine opens, soft blueberry, chanterelle, and vanilla create an indulgent bouquet. The mouth feel is rich with moderate tannin and juicy acidity. The finish is prolonged and features a pleasing burst of ripe red fruit followed closely with soft oak and cloves.

Another one of my favorite holiday wines is the 2018 Cabernet Franc. I like this wine to pair with heavier meat dishes like rib roasts or rack of lamb. This wine pours a dark garnet with a hint of amethyst. After a swirl, the wine impresses with a cornucopia of intense aromas like Bing cherry, lavender, and dried fenugreek. This wine is silky in the mouth with plenty of tannin and acidity to stand up to the heaviest meats and sauces. A pleasing note of French oak helps to power the wine to a lasting finish with wisps of dried cranberry, cigar humidor, and oyster shell.

Finally, I always serve white wine with holiday meals. Our 2019 Dry Riesling is perfect during appetizers, served with salad, or as a foil to fattier dishes like mushroom risotto or duck confit. The high natural acidity of this wine can tame richer dishes that normally will over power a red wine and the acidity also pairs well with citrus based dishes like vinaigrette.  

Both Ed and I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday season!