Viticulture Association of the Santa Cruz Mountains

Spring, 2019

 

Spring is finally here following a long, cold and wet winter (with snow falling at the higher elevations).  As a result of the long winter weather budbreak was delayed in many vineyards, but the 2019 vintage is now going strong!

  • Muns Vineyard

 

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Next Meetings

May 1:  Chardonnay Panel

A technical discussion on making and growing Chardonnay in the Santa Cruz Mountains with, from left to right: Jeff Brinkman, Rhys Vineyards; Bradley Brown, Big Basin Vineyards; Jeffrey Patterson, Mount Eden; Eric Baugher, Ridge.

 

Monday, Jan. 28, 3:00pm: Floor Management,  with Deac Jones, Andaman-AG, and Michael Terrien, Union Vineyard

This meeting will address floor management, including cover crop, organic herbicides, amendments, etc. with Michael Terrien, Union Vineyard and Deac Jones, founder, Andaman-AG, distributor for Weed Slayer and a wide range of organic, sustainable products improving soil health.
The meeting will be held at Union Vineyard, previously Vine Hill Vineyard (and before that, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard), in Santa Cruz.
See the VASCM YouTube channel here for a video of Deac Jones’ talk in the vineyard at the January meeting.

 

For more information on meetings, contact info@vascm.org

See  recent meetings on the Meetings page here

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Industry Conferences/Educational Opportunities

  • WiVi:  March 13, Paso Robles:  annual central coast wine and viticulture conference and trade show sponsored by Wine Business Monthly. More information and registration here.  VASCM members can benefit with a special member-only savings. Use the code Association19 to receive a $100 registration discount; also includes free pass to trade show. Early bird rate of $295 (less the $100 member discount = $195) – before Feb. 15.                                                                                

 

VASCM Membership

Membership dues are only $50 annually and are due at the beginning of the year.  Membership is open to those sharing an interest in viticulture in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Please download the Membership Application from the Membership page here (and please include the form with renewals in order to convey any changes).

 

Mission

To serve the common interests of all Santa Cruz Mountains appellation winegrape producers, and to enhance the quality, profitability and reputation of winegrape production in the appellation through promotion and education.

Association Profile

President:  Mary Lindsay, Muns Vineyard

Vice President:  Ken Swegles,  Rhizos Viticulture

Secretary: June Salsbury, Spring Hollow Vineyard

Treasurer:  Rick Clarke, Empty Nest Vineyard

Contact Information

Postal address
P.O. Box 933,  Soquel, CA 95073-0933
Electronic mail
General Information: info@vascm.org
Webmaster: webmaster@vascm.org
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Harvest 2018

The 2018 vintage by and large is seeing excellent crop loads and stellar quality. Cool temps from early Sept. on allowed for long hang time and for many a delayed harvest that developed fruit flavors. However, the myriad microclimates of the mountains makes it difficult to generalize, and a warm August precipitated ripening and harvest for some.  Growers and winemakers are excited by the 2018 vintage and what it promises in the bottle!

  • Burrell School Vineyards

To serve the common interests of all Santa Cruz Mountains appellation winegrape producers, and to enhance the quality, profitability and reputation of winegrape production in the appellation through promotion and education.