August 27th, 2010
I enjoy all Wooden Valley events; however, I have to say that BBQ & Blends is my favorite. We had our first BBQ & Blends event in 2005 and it became very apparent to me, that this was a great opportunity to spend some one on one time with guests and give them a firsthand look at how we make wine at Wooden Valley. For those of you who aren’t familiar with this event here’s how it works. Once a year we invite wine club members to join us along with their friends and family for a BBQ lunch in our picnic grounds followed by a blending session in the barrel room. My brother Rick, our winemaker, and I eat lunch with a small group of no more than 40 people after which we accompany them to the barrel room. Once there we give a small lesson on winemaking, discuss the wines they’ll be pulling from barrels for blending and the fun begins. Guests are then given a bottle and all the tools they need to create their own personal blend. During the blending, Rick and I make ourselves available for any questions that event goers may have. I really enjoy watching this process through the eyes of our guests and it gives me the opportunity to share a little bit of the excitement I feel throughout the winemaking process. Hope to see you at next year’s BBQ & Blends so we can talk wine. Salute’
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August 20th, 2010
Last Sunday Wooden Valley took part in the 2nd annual SVVGA Harvest Celebration. It was a great day and I had the pleasure of meeting and talking with many guests, some visiting Suisun Valley for the first time. Over 15 vendors came together, including two from neighboring Green Valley, to provide a long list of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here at Wooden Valley we offered a complimentary BBQ sandwich, grape stomp competition, grape harvester display and music by The Bill Scholer Band. If you had the chance to visit us during the event, you may have noticed quite a few of my family in attendance working at different activity stations and I hope you had the opportunity to visit and learn a little bit more about what we do.
Now on to the 2010 grape harvest season….I’ll keep you posted on our progress. Salute’
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August 12th, 2010
Last week, after a three day fishing trip with my four sons, I returned to work and discovered a spectacular view of Suisun Valley. I have never seen this particular view of the valley before because it was hidden behind a pear orchard owned by the Lum Family that unfortunately had to be removed. I have always thought there was something special hiding behind those trees, but I had no idea it was one of the best panoramic views of Suisun Valley. After staring at the Vaca Mountain Range for half of the day, I finally made my way into the office and continued to look out the window. This view has me wanting to somehow capture the new scenery for everyone to enjoy. My brain has kicked into high gear and I’m working through a list of possibilities. I’ll let you know what I come up with…..
The next time you stop by the winery, look north and you’ll see what I saw for the first time last week. Better yet, come to SVVGA’s Harvest Celebration this Sunday and enjoy all the festivities while you take in the view.
Posted in Events, Suisun Valley | 1 Comment »
July 23rd, 2010
Recently I came to the realization that I needed to spend a little more time in the tasting room. This decision was made for a few reasons but primarily because I missed spending time with our visitors and discussing wine on a one to one basis. The opportunity to step away from my administrative responsibilities for a short time each week has been like a vacation and it reminds me how lucky I am to spend my days doing what I love. Years ago, I spent many hours behind the tasting bar and I have great memories of visiting with friends of Wooden Valley hearing about their lives and families. I’m looking forward to making those same connections again.
After talking my idea over with our tasting room manager, Kerri, we both agreed that Friday afternoons would be my scheduled tasting room time. I’ve been working my Friday shifts since June 1st and I’m really enjoying it!! When Friday morning rolls around I find myself thinking TGIF, not because the week is ending, but because I get to spend my afternoon having fun. I’m enjoying my hours in the tasting room so much I thought it would nice to do something a little extra while I’m there. For the month of August, every Friday between 1pm and 5pm, we’re going to incorporate barrel tasting, food and wine pairing or whatever else I come up with. Every week will be something different so if you have some spare time stop in and spend your afternoon at Wooden Valley with me. I’ll do my best to entertain you, answer any wine related questions or update you on what’s happening in Suisun Valley.
Salute!
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July 15th, 2010
This week my second son Nick completed his thirteen year career in youth baseball which started with T-Ball and ended with American Legion. During those years, he has played an estimated 600 games all around California and as far away as New York and Georgia. Even though I’m sadden to see another one of my son’s youth baseball careers come to an end I take with me many fond memories and life long friendships with the parents and coaches I’ve met along the way (some which have even decided to join the wine club). Being a parent involve in youth activities you can’t help but meet scores of wonderful people along the way. My family’s social life is surrounded by people whom we’ve met through youth activities including your favorite Tasting Room Manager Kerri. Kerri’s husband John is pictured with Nick at his first T-Ball game where he was unfortunately burdened by a broken leg. Nick will be attending Chico State this fall with hopes of extending his baseball career.
Good luck Nick!
Posted in Lanza Family | 1 Comment »
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