Posts by dwsumner

After getting about nine inches of rain during the last story, our crews are finally back out in the vineyards, finishing up the pruning they began before the storm moved in. Our winter pruning season takes place over an extended period of time, and pruning will guide the vines in certain directions and for the particular purposes best suited to each varietal. This season, our challenge will be the weather, which is warming earlier...

For February 14, here are 14 romantic ideas for wine lovers… Visit a few of your favorite wineries, and spend the day sipping and nibbling. End with reservations at a romantic restaurant. Toast the day with wines made for romance: Champagnes and Rosés (such as Sumner Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé). Buy the best that you can afford…the day is worth it! Express your love by writing down all the different reasons you love...

Our Sumner Vineyards Pinot Noir Rosé pairs beautifully with salty cheeses, and its lovely blush color is the very definition of romance. For a simple yet impressive Valentine’s Day dinner at home, this light soufflé is both festive and delicious…and leaves room for something deeply chocolate for dessert! Classic Cheese Soufflé Yield: 2-3 servings Grated Parmesan cheese 2 tablespoons butter 2-1/2 tablespoons all purpose...

The last rain that our vineyards received was around Christmas, but this morning a new storm arrived. Forecasters said it’s just the beginning of a sub-tropical weather system that is expected to arrive in force later in the day, with up to a half-inch per hour in the Hayfork Valley through Monday. “It was a little slower start than anticipated but it is still on track to deliver pretty significant rainfall,” National Weather Service...

What does a winery do in the winter? The yearly cycle for our wines begins during the cold months as the vines’ energy moves to the roots to wait for spring. The rains come, blanketing the hills with moisture, and between storms we prune the vines, removing 95% of the previous year’s growth. Mike Sumner and Ryen Rourke move through the vineyards, selecting the wood that will not only give us fruit for the coming year, but...