Hanna and I woke up to seven cars parked at the barn. For me this is the true marker of the New Year—the team has returned to prune the vineyard. It’s a wet winter more than cold and will make brush pulling more of a pain than normal. My smile about kicking off 2016 quickly turned to a strategic concern. Can I prune with the team? Will Hanna be okay with the new sitter? Where are my rain clothes and pruning shears? Excitement and anxiety seem to mix immediately with the brief glance of cars at the barn.
Also, on the horizon is the annual Chehalem AVA meeting. In the spirit of carving out this new path with Hanna in tow, I’m determined to make it to the meeting with two bottles of wine for the Laurelwood tasting.
**Hanna and I made to the AVA meeting! Okay, well we walked in, delivered the wine and said hello to two friends before bedtime called. I still count this as a major success!