Harvest Update Another Week of Harvest October 9, 2000 Seven weeks and still counting… Cline Cellars began the day with rain and the remainder of the day was cold, damp and partly sunny. The light rain will have a minimal impacted on the grapes; the most damaging is the slow down of maturation to the grapes. In Contra Costa 95% of harvesting is complete but in the Los Carneros District, a cooler climate appellation, picking is expected to last another three weeks. Temperatures in Carneros are dipping to the mid-40s at night and warming up to the low 80s in the afternoons. The local forecast for the week is everything from rain to sunny-warm days. "We will just have to wait and see what Mother Nature has in store for us, but the weather will not slow us down" says Matt Cline, winemaker for Cline Cellars. The winery is almost at full capacity, even with the addition of ten new storage tanks added for Harvest 2000. Crushing is easy says Cline, it is what comes after that is the most difficult. Everyday the winemaking team makes crucial decisions, what wines get pump-overs, pressed-off, racked, and blended. There is a great misconception that once the grapes are harvested winemaking is over but it is only just beginning. The next couple of months are probably some of the most important and this is why having a talented winemaker and production team is essential. As of 10/9 Cline Cellars has crushed 2200 tons grape. More Harvest 2000 Articles Harvest Photos...watch us work. Zinfandel grapes from Lodi, California dumped into a hopper.(Above) Zinfandel grapes sent through the destemmer to remove stems. Berries will be sent to a fermentation tank to begin the winemaking process. (Above) Wine Events Zinfandel Festival 2001 Let's celebrate! ZAP 10TH Anniversary of the Zinfandel Festival January 25, 2001 Good Eats & Zinfandel Pairing at Rosenblum Cellars January 26, 2001 Blue Jeans to Black Tie "An Evening with the Winemakers" at Festival Pavilion, Fort Mason, San Francisco January 27, 2001 Zinfandel Tasting - ZAP 10TH Anniversary at Herbst and Festival Pavilions, Fort Mason, San Francisco Begin the Festival at Rosenblum Cellars where an infusion of flavors awaits you! Experience the diversity of Zinfandel with the Bay Area's best restaurants. On Friday night, mingle with the world's best Zinfandel producers, bid on fabulous winemaker dinners and on rare and special Zinfandel bottlings. And for the grand finale the 10th Anniversary Celebration of the Zinfandel Tasting on Saturday. Over 250 wineries participating, pouring barrel samples of 1999 vintage. Public Ticket sales begin October 1, 2000 through the Fort Mason Box Office in San Francisco. To Join Zap or for more information visit ZAP's new website! ZAP, P.O. Box 1487, Rough & Ready, CA 95975 530/274-4900

Hot Wine News Wine Spectator names Cline Cellars 1998 California Syrah Top 100 Wine Values in October 15, 2000 Issue! Plus, FOOD & WINE October 2000 Issue special wine issue BEST WINES $15 AND UNDER CATEGORY 1998 CLINE CALIFORNIA ($10) This versatile Sonoma winery produces fine Zinfandels as well as Rhône blends and varietals. Although Syrah, a Rhône grape, has become wildly popular only recently, proprietor Fred Cline recognized its potential years ago. The 1998 Syrah, a blend of several different appellations, is immediately accessible, a soft juicy red with a nose redolent of smoke and spice--a Rhône grape that's grown California ripe. Check-out The Wine Skinny website for their review on Cline Cellar wines. (Background) Los Carneros Syrah vineyard. Zinfandel grapes in 1/2 ton picking bins. Visit Cline Cellars Current Accolades page to read the latest reviews. Question of the Month? What is Pierce's Disease? Pierce's Disease is a bacterial infection that is spread by the glassy-winged sharpshooter. An adult is about half an inch long, with a dark-brown body and yellow spots speckling the head. The sharpshooter a "voracious feeder" called one scientist feeds on the grapevine affecting the vascular system that transports water and nutrients in the plants. Some symptoms include shriveled leaves, discoloration in leaves, burnt looking grapes and stunted growth. Governor Gray Davis of California and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have declared an agricultural emergency in California. $22.3 million in federal assistance has been given to California to help the agricultural industry fight the pest. The sharpshooter not only attacks grapes but other fruit bearing vines and trees. Currently there is no cure for Pierce's disease. Wine Question? E-mail epcline@sonic.net Don't miss out on this year's HARVEST! Come visit CLINE CELLARS' beautiful winery, located in the Carneros District in Sonoma Valley.Tours everyday at 11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m..Call our Tasting Room for a reservation 800/546-2070 or 707/935-4310.Cline Cellars 24737 Hwy. 121, Sonoma, CA While visiting the winery enjoy sampling our award-winning wines. 1999CLINETIMES Cline Times - January Issue| Cline Times - February Issue| Cline Times - March Issue| Cline Times - April Issue| Cline Times - May Issue| Cline Times - June Issue| Cline Times - July Issue | Cline Times - August Issue | Cline Times - September Issue | Cline Times - October Issue|Cline Times - November Issue|Cline Times - December Issue We would love to hear from you. Comments to Cline Cellars and Winemaker Comments to Fred Cline, President Comments to Tina Hoogs, Sales & Marketing Manager Comments to Pepe Burns, Special Events Director