VASCM: Harvest under way at the Mt St. Helena Vineyards

Thu Sep 28 21:00:39 GMT 2023

A few years ago when I started in this business, I reached out to several
people in this community, and tried very hard to source just 1 ton of SCM
Chardonnay, to supplement my Pinot Noir go-to-market wine line-up. I
received a resounding ‘sorry can’t help you’ all around. So I had to source
Chard from another appellation. It turned out great as my customers love
this Chard.

So I for one am very appreciative that Jeff Griffin shared this info on
what is available out there. Thanks Jeff!

Eug Theron

Charmant Vineyards

On Tue, Sep 26, 2023 at 9:38 AM Ryan Beauregard <
ryan at beauregardvineyards.com> wrote:

> I agree with Jarrold.  There needs to be a collective effort to promote
> the use of Santa Cruz Mountains AVA grapes.
>
> On Mon, Sep 25, 2023 at 10:05 AM Office <office at silvermtn.com> wrote:
>
>> Why would we want Napa. Grapes here in the Santa Cruz Mtns ??
>>
>> Confused,  Jerold OB
>>
>>
>> On Sep 24, 2023, at 10:21 PM, Jeff Griffin <
>> griffinhillvineyards at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Folks,
>> The below email details varieties and amounts of high quality Napa Valley
>> grapes available right now that are rarely available to us and at extremely
>> low pricing.
>>
>> Jeff Griffin
>> Griffin Hill Vineyards, LLC
>> 650-799-3327
>> www.griffinhillvineyards.com
>>
>>
>> On Sep 24, 2023, at 9:42 PM, Andre Gueziec <andre.gueziec at gmail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> Dear Elisa and Jeff,
>>
>> Thank you so much for passing the word around about my red grape
>> varietals available for sale:
>> Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah.
>>
>> I appreciate it greatly!
>>
>> They are essentially ripe, unlike a lot of the red grapes in Napa and
>> Sonoma. This is due to the particular micro-climate
>> in the elevated valley I'm in.
>>
>> We already harvested 5 tons of Cabernet Franc that were ripe this past
>> week for one of my few paying customers,
>> and we are on schedule to harvest another 45 tons next week:
>> These will go to Bin to Bottle, who provides a revenue share opportunity
>> for unsold grapes (not exactly a customer..)
>>
>> This following web page has the list of all the blocks, acreage,
>> varietals and clones:
>>
>> https://www.domainehelena.com/vineyard
>>
>> At this time I still can sell
>>
>> -about *6 tons of Cabernet Franc, clone 4*
>>
>> -about *10-20 tons of Petite Sirah, stags Leap Clone *
>>
>> -up to *130 tons of Cabernet Sauvignon, various clones.*
>>
>> Because Bin to Bottle as well as my other crush outlet, Napa Wine Co, and
>> me, are trying to make the best possible wine out of the
>> unsold grapes, we will not want to let the ripe fruit hang indefinitely
>> and the current plan is for the rest of the crop to be harvested
>> within the next 3 weeks maximum. Till then, I can still sell the
>> diminishing remaining grapes to interested buyers.
>>
>> We have low yields this year, my ranch is a  "winemaker's dream"
>> according to lots of people including me, with yields at 2.7 to 3 tons an
>> acre
>> or less. I am asking $2600 per ton for the fruit still available. I am
>> only 3 miles from Napa where  the grapes are more than twice
>> the price, with added mildew this year, and they are not ripe on top of
>> it.
>>
>> Thanks again, and let me know if you need any additional information...
>>
>> On Sun, Sep 24, 2023 at 9:00 PM Elisa de Martel (Google) <
>> elisa at demartel.com> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>> Bonsoir André
>>>
>>> Notre copain américain qui a un vineyard dans les montagnes de Santa
>>> Cruz propose de passer une annonce pour vendre tes raisins.
>>> Est-ce que tu peux me donner les infos demandées et je vous mets en
>>> contact.
>>> Bises
>>> Elisa
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>>
>>> *From:* Jeff Griffin <griffinhillvineyards at gmail.com>
>>> *Date:* September 23, 2023 at 8:30:47 PM PDT
>>> *To:* "Elisa de Martel (Google)" <elisa at demartel.com>
>>> *Cc:* Vince de Martel <vincent at demartel.com>
>>> *Subject:* *Re: Harvest under way at the Mt St. Helena Vineyards*
>>>
>>> Great. I’ll put out the offer for her grapes to our viticultural
>>> association. First, could you ask her to summarize the varieties and
>>> amounts currently available in a short statement without photos?
>>>
>>> Dinner sounds fun. I’ll get back to you.
>>>
>>> Jeff Griffin
>>> Griffin Hill Vineyards, LLC
>>> 650-799-3327
>>> www.griffinhillvineyards.com
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sep 23, 2023, at 4:17 PM, Elisa de Martel (Google) <
>>> elisa at demartel.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi Jeff
>>> Thanks for the quick response and looking forward to seeing your new
>>> vineyard when you are set up.
>>> It would be great if you could pass the info to friends
>>>
>>> Would you like to meet at the UC for a dinner? We can usually do
>>> Tuesdays and Thursdays.
>>> Elisa
>>>
>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>
>>> On Sep 23, 2023, at 10:18 AM, Jeff Griffin <
>>> griffinhillvineyards at gmail.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hey Elisa,
>>> Nice to hear from you! Things are going well and the new vines are
>>> growing. We’re not planning to make wine this year since our barn is
>>> missing the power, cleanliness and space we need. We’re hoping to have the
>>> new winery online this time next year though.
>>>
>>> Your friend seems to have acquired a very premium vineyard. Her timing
>>> isn’t great due to the global downturn in wine demand. My belief is that
>>> the demand is cyclical though and she’ll see full demand in the near
>>> future.
>>>
>>> If she would like, I can pass her offer out to some friends.
>>>
>>> Jeff Griffin
>>> Griffin Hill Vineyards, LLC
>>> 650-799-3327
>>> www.griffinhillvineyards.com
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sep 23, 2023, at 9:22 AM, Elisa de Martel <elisa at demartel.com> wrote:
>>>
>>> Hi Jeff
>>>
>>> I hope you are doing well and the harvesting season is also going well!
>>> Here is a mail from a friend who just bought a vineyard in Napa and is
>>> looking to sell some grapes (in case you are interested!).
>>>
>>> All the best and hopefully see you soon
>>>
>>> Elisa
>>>
>>> Begin forwarded message:
>>>
>>> *From: *"Andre Gueziec" <andre at domainehelena.com>
>>> *Subject: **Harvest under way at the Mt St. Helena Vineyards*
>>> *Date: *September 22, 2023 at 2:02:37 PM PDT
>>> *To: *elisademartel at comcast.net
>>>
>>> [image: Domaine Helena]
>>> <https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.domainehelena.com%2F%3Fss_source%3Dsscampaigns%26ss_campaign_id%3D65047b3ac5f57322774f9020%26ss_email_id%3D650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc%26ss_campaign_name%3DHarvest%2Bunder%2Bway%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMt%2BSt.%2BHelena%2BVineyards%26ss_campaign_sent_date%3D2023-09-22T21%253A02%253A35Z&w=64d6b01738b4e936c26793e8&c=b_65047b3ac5f57322774f9020&l=en-US&s=yPlTsz9vyENDY2lvmmGEkh-xslA%3D>
>>> *Harvest under way at the Mt St. Helena Vineyards*
>>>
>>> *Dear elisa*
>>> Here in Sunny Middletown we do not have any of the smoke that has
>>> plagued the greater bay area (the photo above is from yesterday 10am). We
>>> just started harvesting our first block of red grapes this morning at 4am at
>>>  Domaine Helena a.k.a. the Mt St. Helena Vineyards.
>>> <https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.domainehelena.com%3Fss_source%3Dsscampaigns%26ss_campaign_id%3D65047b3ac5f57322774f9020%26ss_email_id%3D650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc%26ss_campaign_name%3DHarvest%2Bunder%2Bway%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMt%2BSt.%2BHelena%2BVineyards%26ss_campaign_sent_date%3D2023-09-22T21%253A02%253A35Z&w=64d6b01738b4e936c26793e8&c=b_65047b3ac5f57322774f9020&l=en-US&s=kfWQY1hL_ErlHlN5Fp7TzPg_ze4%3D>
>>>
>>> We finished putting together Gaylord boxes in the middle of the night.
>>> We will harvest 45 tons next week as well. While all the crop has a
>>> place to go (grape clients, custom crush, etc) we might have some *ripe*
>>>  fruit left for serious buyers. However, the days are getting cooler
>>> fast, and our fruit is being harvested in rapid order.
>>> In another great piece of news, our first wines just received a *Silver
>>> medal* at the East meets West - 2023 West Coast Wine Competition, at
>>> respective winery pricing of $48 for the Cab, $24 for the Rosé and $36 for
>>> the Chardonnay. We’re told that at these price levels it is quite an
>>> achievement! *Grab some in our online shop*
>>> <https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.domainehelena.com%2Fshop%3Fss_source%3Dsscampaigns%26ss_campaign_id%3D65047b3ac5f57322774f9020%26ss_email_id%3D650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc%26ss_campaign_name%3DHarvest%2Bunder%2Bway%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMt%2BSt.%2BHelena%2BVineyards%26ss_campaign_sent_date%3D2023-09-22T21%253A02%253A35Z&w=64d6b01738b4e936c26793e8&c=b_65047b3ac5f57322774f9020&l=en-US&s=POtpCNHmM_DtOPCYymLP2pFB7z4%3D>
>>>  while they last.
>>>
>>> Here at the Mt St. Helena Vineyards, there is no history of mildew
>>> either this year or since 1974 that we know of. It is dry and elevated and
>>> was not an issue of much concern even this year. Every afternoon a steady
>>> and forceful thermal breeze brings fresh air from the high Mayacamas
>>> mountains- no mildew spores there…
>>>
>>> Feel free to come by for a tasting or check out the grapes - while there
>>> are still there. Full details on our vineyard and blocks are available here
>>> on our vineyard description
>>> <https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domainehelena.com%2Fvineyard%3Fss_source%3Dsscampaigns%26ss_campaign_id%3D65047b3ac5f57322774f9020%26ss_email_id%3D650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc%26ss_campaign_name%3DHarvest%2Bunder%2Bway%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMt%2BSt.%2BHelena%2BVineyards%26ss_campaign_sent_date%3D2023-09-22T21%253A02%253A35Z&w=64d6b01738b4e936c26793e8&c=b_65047b3ac5f57322774f9020&l=en-US&s=Vhac1OesOUK42nTK8UHz2cZaFdg%3D>
>>> .
>>>
>>> If you are interested please contact us very soon: the fruit is being
>>> harvested over the next 2/3 weeks depending upon how ripe each block is,
>>> and will not be available much longer.
>>>
>>> Have a wonderful harvest season!
>>>
>>> Andre,
>>> Proprietor, Mt St. Helena Vineyards and Domaine Helena
>>> <https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.domainehelena.com%3Fss_source%3Dsscampaigns%26ss_campaign_id%3D65047b3ac5f57322774f9020%26ss_email_id%3D650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc%26ss_campaign_name%3DHarvest%2Bunder%2Bway%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMt%2BSt.%2BHelena%2BVineyards%26ss_campaign_sent_date%3D2023-09-22T21%253A02%253A35Z&w=64d6b01738b4e936c26793e8&c=b_65047b3ac5f57322774f9020&l=en-US&s=-owteVizQnq1vG8fJ-koinFSc-U%3D>
>>>
>>> [image: Domaine Helena]
>>> <https://f69e.engage.squarespace-mail.com/r?m=650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.domainehelena.com%2F%3Fss_source%3Dsscampaigns%26ss_campaign_id%3D65047b3ac5f57322774f9020%26ss_email_id%3D650e00e03496a72bdc0017dc%26ss_campaign_name%3DHarvest%2Bunder%2Bway%2Bat%2Bthe%2BMt%2BSt.%2BHelena%2BVineyards%26ss_campaign_sent_date%3D2023-09-22T21%253A02%253A35Z&w=64d6b01738b4e936c26793e8&c=b_65047b3ac5f57322774f9020&l=en-US&s=yPlTsz9vyENDY2lvmmGEkh-xslA%3D>
>>>
>>> AHST 173 LLC d.b.a. Mt St. Helena Vineyards
>>> 20963 HWY 175
>>> Middletown CA 95461
>>> USA
>>>
>>> Powered by Squarespace
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>>>
>>>
>>
>> --
>>
>> www.DomaineHelena.com <http://www.domainehelena.com/>
>>
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>
>
>
> --
> Ryan Beauregard
> Winemaker
> Beauregard Vineyards
> 10 Pine Flat Road
> Bonny Doon California 95060
>
> 831-425-7777 ext 3
>
> "Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter
> and those who matter don't mind."
> Dr. Seuss
>
> "The only man who makes no mistakes is the man who never does anything.”
> Teddy Roosevelt
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