Vineyard Tours, Part One

This is a much overdue post, but better late than never!

In the beginning of June, Charlie took the entire tasting room staff out for two days of vineyard tours. We visited many of the top vineyards that Fidelitas sources grapes from, including Champoux, Gamache, Connor-Lee, Weinbau and Stillwater Creek. I learned so much about our growers and the vineyards, but am choosing to share a bunch of pictures, rather than rambling on. Part One will be from Day One - Champoux Vineyard. Stay tuned for Day Two.

The whole gang in front of the new Fidelitas rows in one of the oldest blocks of Champoux Vineyard. We snuck in for a photo before the vines got trimmed, which will allow maximum growing power to the barely budding clusters.

Paul, explaining the formation of these clusters. Champoux is a comparatively cooler vineyard, so their grape clusters were still just flowering. The cooler temps produce more herbal tones in the wine, along with that nice capsicum note that I find in so many Champoux reds.

The boys talking business... Look at the size of that root stock! These vines were planted in 1972 by the Mercer Family.

The Baby Poux Vineyard is the first vineyard that Paul and Judy planted once they bought the land in the early 90's. Fidelitas has a few rows in here. We determined that this was now "going off to college Poux".

After our hard work walking through vines, we were treated to a full lunch and Champoux vineyard wines by Paul and Judy. We had OS Riesling to begin, Sinnean Cabernet Sauvignon with lunch, and Powers Port with a tasty little chocolate tart (which Marilyn and I really enjoyed). Needless to say, we were a jolly bunch.

The courtyard at Chateau Champoux. Judy's vineyard, Lady Hawk, is not too far from here.