2016 Harvest at Bookcliff is almost over

One more truck of grapes after today's and then the 2016 crush is done. We survived another one. Great grapes with good wines to spring from it.

2016 Harvest at Bookcliff Vineyards - Best grapes and best weather

The harvest at Bookcliff Vineyards is in full swing. We are crushing reds on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The grapes are absolutely gorgeous this year. What a blessing. And the weather is cooperating. Sunny and dry with cool nights and warm days. This year Bookcliff will be making Late Harvest Muscat Blanc again. These are perfect conditions.

Merlot in Bloom at BookCliff Vineyards

Most people are not aware that grapes bloom, let alone what they look like. It is a rare sight, as just for one week in late spring the tip of the grape clusters burst into tiny yellow flowers emanating a sweet smell. This year is especially magnificent as the cluster in particular of the Merlot grapes are almost twice the size of usual. I was fortunate to visit the vineyard in Palisade this week and snapped a picture. Enjoy!

Happy Holidays

Colorado is an amazing state to live in. One day we have warm, sunny temperatures of 60 degrees F and the next it falls to -2 degrees F and snow just in time for a White Christmas! Now we are back into the 20's F and if there's one thing consistent about CO, that would be the brilliant sunshine we receive! We are so lucky to be living in a beautiful area. BookCliff Vineyards is practicing some new techniques this winter to insulate the grapevines. John and Ulla made a visit down to Palisade to work with our Vineyard Manager, Prescott, on laying down the vines and covering them with hay. Our goal is to keep them warm to survive the cold winter! BookCliff is looking forward to 2015 and we can't wait to kickoff the New Year with some upcoming dinners with local Chefs, here at the winery! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!
Cheers!

Harvest Season

Harvest season has arrived! John and Ulla have been down to Palisade quite a bit this summer, walking the vineyards with Prescott- our vineyard manager, to estimate crop production for this year's harvest! Muscat Blanc will be the first varietal picked and trucked up to Boulder to kickoff harvest! We can't wait to start receiving fruit in a couple of weeks! Come on over to the winery this September and October to check out the crush pad! Cheers!

Vineyard Irrigation

John, Owner/Winemaker at BookCliff Vineyards

BookCliff Vineyards is excited to irrigate with the new microsprinkler system! The system is our latest addition and hangs in-line with the vines, about 18 inches from the ground, providing water below the canopy. This type of irrigation system is replacing the original surface irrigation furrows used throughout the vineyards. Our soils are categorized as sandy loam, clay. The microsprinklers will ensure efficient water penetration, allow for cover crop flexibility and help drive salts away from the vines’ root zones. Salts carry Potassium up the vine system, a result from the furrow system, which resulted in higher pH in the fruit; the microsprinklers will help balance the acid and sugar levels in the grapes by pushing salts away. Having the ability to plant cover crops, such as clover, is satisfying, knowing the soils are being provided with enough Nitrogen, which is important for the health of the vineyards. Sprinkler systems are often used for cooling and frost/freeze protection, which will hopefully increase fruit production, as Colorado has experienced winter frosts and crop damage. Overall, I think this is a great investment for Colorado’s grapes and we hope to see progress in the vineyards! Cheers!

Citation:  Irrigation Systems