Old Town Crier, July 2008 Issue
Exploring Virginia Wines by Doug Fabbioli

Vineyard Update
Welcome to the jungle. Things in the vineyard are growing so fast that it is hard to keep up. We are training, thinning and wrestling with the new growth. All of the rain that we had this spring is continuing to feed the roots of the vines as well as the weeds and everything else growing in the area. It is critical to keep this growth managed because if the fruit is heavily shaded, it creates its own microclimate in the canopy. That will promote diseases on the fruit along with greener characters, unripe tannins and unpleasant flavors in the wine. In this photo, the fruit zone is clear and the fruit is visible, keeping moisture low and allowing sunlight in. Good wine ahead!

The Business of Wine in our Economy
As the fuel price increases add more costs to every product in our economy, it really forces us to think more about how we can do things better. It is easy for any business to raise their prices to compensate for the costs. The true heroes in this economy are the ones that hold the line on price increases, not passing on the costs but finding smarter ways to absorb that expense. As we are growing so quickly in the VA wine industry, each of us are looking for more capital to plant more, buy more tanks and barrels and build more buildings for both customers and wine. It is real easy to spend money. I could easily raise my prices at this point to bring in more income, but I recognize the economics that people are aware of price and how VA wines are already a little more expensive than other wines. We and others are really working hard to hold the line on price so we can all survive this latest economic challenge. Be sure to patronize the smaller guys taking on the challenge to survive.

Tour Group Improvements
I wrote in the past about some of the limo or bus tours that had brought guests to the wineries that were more into getting hammered than experiencing the wineries. The wineries have worked with the tour companies and are really creating some great experiences for all involved. Some tours are small and well guided with experienced drivers while others are larger, combining the couple and smaller groups for cost effectiveness. Some focus on the culinary experience while others realize that these tours are a chance for friends to get together and enjoy a fun activity. Personally, I am very pleased at how both the tour companies and their guests have embraced what we do and how we share it. I know that many other wineries are in the same camp. I have learned as with any relationship, to talk about the issues. Some things are good, some things need work, but by working together, all things can get a lot better. Here are a few companies to contact: vawineadventures.com, girlsnightout.net and restonlimo.com. There are others out there, but these are the ones that have been feeding me and I like to return the favor.

Winery Update
We bottled our 2007 Cabernet Franc last month and I am a little scared. The 2007 wines are so flavorful and big that they blow away any of the earlier vintages. We are pouring the ’06 and ’07 side by side and I know that the newer one will continue to expand. This is not a bad thing by any means but my fear is that even with 400 cases bottled, it may not be enough. I am very excited to try other VA 2007 wines. This is the vintage of a century. Climate change means that there are lots of extremes and changes. We may have benefited from the 2007 drought but we as farmers need to be reactive to every week of weather and whatever things may change. No rest. Thanks for visiting the VA wineries.