All the kids have returned to school, the days are growing slightly shorter every day and the wet weather of a Hawaii “winter” draws closer every day. September is upon us, and there are a couple of notable events in the month that many of you will perk up to hear of:

 

           September is when the harvest of grapes commences. It varies every year depending on the growing conditions that have taken place over the course of the season, but it is usually within a few weeks of the previous harvest. That may not sound too interesting, but this is the next step in the production of our most valued wines. Mother nature has done her part in providing the necessary conditions and elements to grow the natural grape, and now it is in the hands of the winemakers. There are many attuned grape growers and vintners keeping a close eye on the ever-ripening grapes of the vines. When the time is right, the harvest begins and trillions of tons of grapes begin their journey to the bottle.

 

           The 2008 growing season has experienced a variety of conditions that will affect the vintage. Napa faced frost problems, Paso Robles dealt with heat. Overall, the yield is at a 5 year low, but the grapes seem to have ripened well and quality is expected to be up due to lower quality grapes being eliminated from the harvest. Whether you’re in Provence, France or Napa, California, the work has begun and there will be much to do around every winery in the world. Head over to page 2 to learn more about the harvest process!

                   In the world of beer, the most famous beer celebration in the world will take place from September 20th thru October 5th. Oktoberfest! What else? This celebration started in 1810 as an honor to the marriage of German royalty. Their marriage celebration took place from October 12-17th with the culmination of a horse race. The festival has been tradition ever since then.

 

           Originally, Oktoberfest visitors would come to drink the “Marzen” beer that had been brewed over the summer and fermented in a lager style. The styles of beer have changed little by little over the years in each country in homage of Oktoberfest, but a more “pale” style of beer is what is now usually served at the festival. The Munich festival is supplied by the same 6 breweries since 1810: Spaten, Lowenbrau, Paulaner, Hacker-Pschorr, Augustiner, and Hofbrau.

 

           We will look forward to celebrating Oktoberfest and please be safe in your celebrations.

                                           

What goes into a grape harvest? 

Find out about the August beer brunch.

Cigars and bubbly!

Bad fashion choices