I’m on my way Wednesday for a quick trip out to the Central Coast to visit Laetitia Vineyards, one of the exciting producers of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sparkling Wine and assorted Rhone Varietals. As Laetitia Vineyards, located in the Arroyo Grande Valley, is preparing for a very successful harvest season, it reminds me of how difficult the last two vintages have been in California. Early frosts, cooler temperatures, hail, rain and other assorted maladies had been the norm in 2010 and 2011, but it looks as though ripe grapes will be plentiful in 2012.

The two-night frost that heavily damaged the Central Coast in April of 2011 was minimal at best in 2012, as typical seasonal warmth, an average amount of rainfall and the rising mercury  is leading up to a ripe and rather large harvest. When I arrived to the Central Coast around this time in 2010 the wineries were in a holding pattern as they waited patiently…or more like nervously, for the grape crop to ripen. The grapes eventually did ripen, though it was four or so weeks later than normal. I’m sure I will see more of the usual high-energy level that a winery encounters this time of year, as some of the white varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris are being harvested.

  I always enjoy watching a winery go into action this time of year. An incredible energy is in the air and for us visiting, it becomes a difficult task to watch what is going on while trying to stay out of the way at the same time. This can be a challenge in its own right, but I can’t wait to give it a go.                  

I will let you know how the trip went on my next post in a couple of weeks, until then…cheers!

Ken Amendola, North Florida Wine Supervisor

Follow me on Twitter @abcwinekena