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Time in the Vineyard
As most of us quietly slip into the dormant months of winter and spend much of our time indoor, a different picture
is being painted for those who tend to our vineyards. Winemaking begins in the vineyard and one of the most critical
parts of wine production is taking place - pruning. The pruning of the vines occurs in the winter, usually after
the leaves have fallen leaving only the woody canes. The most important aspect of pruning is that it regulates
next season's yields. This happens by controlling the number of buds, which eventually produce, bunches of grapes.
Our Vineyard Manager, Jean-Marie Martin must decide on the method of pruning, training techniques and how many
buds to leave on each vine. If lightly pruned, leaving an abundance of buds on the vine the result are higher yields
of grapes & longer ripening time. This can be very risky in cooler climates and even in Northern California
where Mother Nature has been unpredictable for the past few years, possibly leaving the winemaker to work with
unripened grapes and producing undesirable wines.
Vineyard worker is arching the cane and tying it to the trellis.
Mr. Martin uses the cane pruning method on Cline Cellars Los Carneros and Sonoma County vineyards. The advantage
of this method is even crop year in and year out, smaller cluster and smaller berries reducing the chances of an
abundance of grapes that do not ripen to maturity and a smooth relationship with our winemaker, Matt Cline.
The relationship between vine pruning and training is important, as the pruning method depends on the training
system used. The system for training, which is implement in the vineyards, is the arching method. The cane is arched
and tied to the trellis system making all the buds develop in a more apical orientation so all the buds can grow
evenly. Our Vineyard Manager's ultimate goal is to produce grapes that are balanced (pH and T.A.)and have concentrate
flavors. Of course, we cannot control everything in the vineyard since Mother Nature has the final say on the weather
conditions. The 2001 growing season so far has been dry with minimal rain but it is too soon to predict the future
of the 2001 vintage.
Winter Blues?
Sunset in Sonoma Valley on a cold winter evening.
Cline Cellars prescribes to attend the following stellar
event hosted by Hospitality De Los Carneros.
3rd Annual Blacktie Valentine
Dinner Dance
Date: February 17, 2001
Location: RMS Distillery
Time: 6:30 p.m. Champagne Reception Followed by a Barrel Room Tour and Dinner in the
Still House
Tickets: $150 per person (limited seating)
Reservations: Call Ms. Pepe
Burns of Cline Cellars 707/935-4310 ext. 213
This extraordinary evening will have 17 participating Los Carneros
wineries with Winemakers as your hosts. A fabulous gourmet dinner prepared by Elaine Bell Catering of Sonoma matched with flights of fine Carneros wines. Dancing the night away to the sound of
Savoy Swingers.
While visiting the winery
enjoy sampling our award-winning wines.
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
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Rhone Rangers Ride Again...
2001: a Rhone Odyssey
Fourth Annual Rhone Ranger Tasting
March 31, 2001
Festival Pavilion at Fort Mason in San Francisco
Over 100 member wineries of The Rhone Rangers will be pouring barrel samples and new releases of American Rhone
wines. Bread, cheese and foods to compliment the wines will also be presented by Bay Area food purveyors and restaurants.
A special highlight of the event is the Silent Auction, featuring many unique, one-of-a-kind lots and large format
bottles.
This Tasting represents the largest gathering in the world of American Rhone wine producers and
has become a not-to-be-missed event for the growing fans of these food-friendly wines
TICKETS: $45 in advance and $60 day of event. Call the Fort Mason Box Office at (415) 441-3687, or order on-line
visiting the Rhone Ranger website
A good time had by all Cline Cellars staff at the recent ZAP tasting. Matt Cline,
Winemaker, Tina Martin, Sales & Marketing Manager and Jean-Marie Martin, Vineyard Manager.
Question of the Month?
I live out-of-state how can I purchase your wines. I can't seem to
find them in my area?
Where to buy? You can buy Cline Cellars
from any retailer even if they don't currently carry it in regular inventory. We are represented in every state,
your favorite retailer can special order for you. If invenorty is a problem for your retailer and they cannot special
order contact Cline Cellars
for the distributor in your state.
List below are some distributors with direct links to their company. Check them out today
to find Cline Cellars wines.
Bacchus Importers Ltd. - Maryland
and Washington D.C.
Martin Scott - New York City Distributor
Southern Wines & Spirits - California
Vinsouth - Atlanta, Florida, Texas
WineAccess
The Wine Treasury - United Kingdom
Wordens Market and Deli in Missoula, MT
Margot-Schmitt - Germany
Distributor
Wine Question? E-mail epcline@sonic.net
For Cline Cellars wine reviews visit our Current Accolades page.
Check-out The Wine Skinny and ijamming websites for their reviews on Cline Cellar wines.
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
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