Frost Season Is Almost Over

Last week we had some close calls with frost in the vineyards. Another week of warm weather will hopefully get as past the danger of frost. The old peach growers say that then when the neck of the goose shaped snowfield breaks (melts) then the danger of frost is past. The goose is on the flanks of Grand Mesa and can be seen in the center of the picture above the peach trees. In the picture it is facing to the left. With the extra snow this year and the cooler then usual temperatures it is taking longer this year to get past the frost danger. We are blessed with good vineyard locations that have natural winds that keep the frosts away. Most orchards and vineyards in the Palisade area require large fan units to keep the winds away. This requires getting up in the middle of the night to start the fans and to keep them running. Because of our location we do not even own fan units. The extra investment in buying good vineyard locations is paying off.
Entry by John Garlich.

Please click on the above pictures for a larger view.

Parker Farmer's Market

It's springtime and you know what that means, Farmer's Markets are here! The Parker Farmer's Market opens on May 11 (that's this Sunday!) and is a great way to pick up some locally grown vegetables, fruits, flowers, plants, gourmet cheeses and wines sold by the farmers that produce them. We will be there on the first market day and look forward to seeing you.



When: Sundays 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. May 11th through October 12
Location: Located in historic downtown Parker 1 1/2 blocks east of Parker Road on Main Street in the parking lot of the Mainstreet Center.

Spring in the Vineyard

The grapes are waking up in the vineyard. This year we are about a week behind last year due to the cool spring. So far winter kill is minimal and the buds look healthy. It's an extremely busy time of year for the farmers in the area, whether they're growing peaches or grapes. Weeds need to be kept under control, irrigation systems need to be seasonalized (and usually cracked pipes need repairing), and it's time to plant. Besides in-fill plantings, in which older vines and blank spaces in the vine rows are replaced by new plantings, we replaced 3/4 of an acre of Orange Muscat with White Riesling. In late March the vines came from the nursery tightly wrapped in bundles. We planted them with spacing of 5 feet in 8 foot rows. This year we'll irrigate in the trench they've been planted to insure plenty of water to their limited root system. It's important that the grapes avoid stress their first year. Next year, with a developed root system the real growing begins. Meanwhile, the dormant buds have come out of their shells and pushed shoots out. We wait anxiously to see what this years canopy will deliver.

Entry by Sam Stetser, Vineyard Manager

2nd Barrel Tasting!!

That's right the first barrel tasting on Saturday, May 3rd is sold out. Because of the big response though, we are adding a second date. Now there is another opportunity to try unreleased wine directly from the barrels while you munch on delicious appetizers and entrees prepared in person by one of the expert chefs from "Fast and Fresh Food" in Boulder, CO. Enjoy a five course (click here to see the menu) meal paired with BookCliff wines at the winery, with the winemaker. This is your chance to see where and how our wine is made and have a great meal while you do it. Don't wait, this will sell out fast!

When: May 4th 2008, 4:00pm

Cost: $50

Reservations: (303) 499-7301

Location: 5501 Aztec Court, Boulder, CO 80303 (At The Winery!)

Components of Wine Class

Have you ever heard a wine geek talk about silky tannins or a wine that's too "hot"? Do you know where you taste acid or sweetness on your palate? If you would like to find out what all this stuff means then you have to come to this event. We are proud to feature Ann Coppinger from Pettyjohn's Liquor & Wine who will be presenting her "Components of Wine" class. Learn how to recognize wine's different components and how they compliment or fight with your favorite foods. By the way, a full meal including your favorite foods will be prepared for you by the artists over at Trattoria on Pearl.

April 17th 2008, 7:00pm
Cost: $40.00 includes fabulous food from Trattoria on Pearl.
Reservations: (303) 449-WINE
Location: BookCliff Vineyards' tasting room, 15th Street just South of Pearl, Boulder

2008 Spring Barrel Tasting

Join us for the annual BookCliff Vineyards Barrel Tasting event. Spend an evening with us at the winery on Saturday May 3 for a dinner event you won't soon forget. Sit down to a special five-course meal prepared by a private chef, each course expertly paired with a BookCliff Vineyards Wine. Try unreleased wine directly from the barrels while you munch on delicious appetizers and entrees prepared in person by one of the expert chefs from "Fast and Fresh Food" in Boulder, CO. Check out the menu below.

When: May 3rd 2008, 5:00pm
Cost: $50
Reservations: (303) 499-7301
Location: 5501 Aztec Court, Boulder, CO 80303 (At The Winery!)

Appetizers

Endive with Goat Cheese and Maple Glazed Pecans (As pictured above)
-Paired with 2006 Chardonnay

Grilled Salmon with Mango Lime Salsa
Salmon Grilled with a Great Smoky Flavor and Topped with a Slightly Spicy Mango Lime Salsa.
-Paired with 2007 Viognier/Roussanne Blend

Veal and Veggie Tagine
This North African Stew is cooked in a Conical Shaped Earthen ware pot. With Flavorful spices, fresh tomatoes and served over couscous.
-Paired with 2007 Merlot and 2007 Syrah

Rosemary Pan Seared Beef Tenderloin
Beef Tenderloin pan seared with Fresh Organic Rosemary and Served with Roasted Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes and Steamed Veggies.
-Paired with 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2006 Cabernet Franc

Belvedere Belgian Chocolates

-Paired with Finali port-style dessert wine

BookCliff Vineyards Reaches the Summit!

Summit County that is! Its true, now you can find many of our fine wines near your favorite Summit County Ski area. In Silverthorne we'd like to welcome Blue Valley Liquors, convieniently located just north of I-70 at 191 Blue River Parkway. You can find our 2004 Ensemble, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Touch of Red on the Blue Valley Liquor shelves now.

On Main Street in downtown Frisco you can find our Touch of Red, 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon, Ensemble and Merlot now as we welcome Frisco Liquors of 416 E. Main Street to our list of fine wine vendors.

As of next week you'll find us in Keystone, Colorado as well. Starting Monday you will find BookCliff 2005 Syrah, 2006 Viogner, and our popular Orange Muscat Dessert Wine, "Allegretto" at Summit Liquors, 22801 Highway 6 in Keystone. Just down the road at Loveland Pass Liquors, 22837 Highway 6, you'll be able to find our 2004 Ensemble and Cabernet Sauvignon.

We are continuing to visit and taste with other mountian region vendors, at both restaurant and retail venues. Look forward to additional updates on other Rocky Mountain locations where you can find your favorite BookCliff Wines in the upcoming weeks.

Once again I would like to welcome and thank our new vendors.

Cheers,

Mark M. Stephan

BookCliff Vineyards

Sommelier/Colorado Mountain Region Sales