Winter In The Vineyard

While the vines have gone to sleep for the season, the vineyard ecosystem as a whole is abuzz with wintertime activity.  Between the rows the thousands of little buds that will comprise our various cover crops begin peeking through the soil.  As the rains soak the earth and get our creeks running these plants will hold the water and nutrients our vines crave once they begin to awaken again in Spring.

Upcoming Halter Ranch Events

Mark your calendars, the next round of Halter Ranch events is just around the corner! Space is limited so make your reservation(s) as soon as possible.

Monday, January 17:  Artisan Restaurant in Paso Robles will be featuring Halter Ranch wines for their Monday Night Supper.  For Reservations: www.artisanpasorobles.com, 805.237.8084

Saturday, January 29: Our very own Solene Fabre presents Fete de la Chandeleur, a special compilation of tried and true crepe making techniques to be held in the Halter Ranch Kitchen.  Space is quite limited so call or email and reserve your spot. www.halterranch.com, info@halterranch.com, 805.226.9455 

Saturday, February 19: Halter Ranch and Chef Charlie present our annual Valentine's Day Dinner. Come share an intimate evening of wonderful wine and food in our historic victorian-style farmhouse. Again, space is very limited so contact us and reserve your seats. www.halterranch.com, info@halterranch.com, 805.226.9455

The Waters Speak

Rain over the past weeks has awoken Tablas Creek from its months long slumber.  Its pleasant burbling tempts us away from heated tasting rooms and offices to sit on the banks.

Raptors!

At the peak of the barn, toward the top-middle of this photograph, is a favorite perch for our resident barn owls.  Along with other birds of prey the owls are a welcome addition to our vineyard management team as they help to mitigate rodent and avian pests including starlings, ground squirrels, and gophers.

A History of Cabernet Sauvignon

The tastings over the past three weeks have given the Halter Ranch Staff a much needed opportunity to taste through every Cabernet Sauvignon we've released.  Some insider tips: for those customers out there debating over whether or not to uncork those cellared 03 and 04 Halter Ranch Cabernets, rest assured, 03, 03 Reserve, and 04 all have enough tannin to lie down 2-3 more years. In regard to 05 and 06: these two seem most suited for consumption within the next 1-2 years. Finally: our beautiful but still young 07 can probably use an easy 3-5 years with a recommended 7-10 yet for absolute best results. 

Friday Factoid

What is now Halter Ranch began as one portion of a 3200 acre California land grant.  The current ranch is composed of 239 acres planted to 20 vine varieties and another 721 acres of Oak woodland.

A Beneficial Friend

This Coccinella septempunctata (also known as the ladybird beetle or ladybug) is one among a plethora of beneficial insects we encourage in the vineyard.  A major component in our pest management program, ladybirds, predatory wasps, and others are attracted to gardens strategically placed throughout the vineyard. This particular friend paid me a visit while I was packing up holiday shipments in the barn.

Green Things

Though the vineyard has embarked upon its winter slumber, rain over the last few weeks has sparked an awakening in all the cooler and more moist growing flora.  The result is green rolling hillsides and moss filled corners all across Westside Paso Robles.

Our Resident Feline Deity

Halter Ranch is graced with the presence of a higher being!  A small but fierce combatant, Buddy (nicked name for Budro) keeps our vineyard, winery, and tasting room moused (and ratted and ground squirreled)and in generally high spirits. Weekends are the best time to catch a glimpse of him round the tasting room, but he's ever eager to meet to friends whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Holiday Wishes From Halter Ranch

The staff here at Halter Ranch sends best wishes for a wondrous holiday to everyone out there in the world!

One Final Chance

The third and final Grand Tasting for 2010 will be taking place in the Halter Ranch Victorian Farmhouse on December 18 at 1pm.  The $25 fee (Ranch Club: $20 and Owner's Club: $18.75) includes a flight of Halter Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon from 2003 through 2007 paired with artisanal cheeses, meat, and chocolate.  This special event requires a reservation that may be placed by phone at 888.367.9977 or on the web at www.halterranch.com.  This is an opportunity is not to be missed!

A Sneak Taste

As a special treat during our staff holiday gathering--at the excellent McPhee's in Templeton--we opened Reserve Cabernet from 2003, which is back available for purchase in the tasting room for the first time since it's initial release. Also, a first taste of our 2007 block designate Syrah, not yet available for purchase (don't fret, it will make it's appearance in time). Club members and fans should steel themselves, both wines are tasting wonderful!

A Peek Beneath Our Dirt

A glance off the Halter Ranch covered bridge, down toward what will soon be a waterfall, reveals one aspect of why our property is so well suited to growing wine grapes.  Soils throughout the ranch are full to bursting with limestone--literally; the earth is continually spitting large chunks of it up all over the property.  By encouraging deep root-growth these rocky soils cause proper stress to concentrate flavor and add complexity to the fruit.

The Halter Ranch Holiday Open House A Great Success

Our first annual holiday open house provided a splendid catalyst for the season.  With the Victorian all alight and Ciro's wonderful cooking paired with choice Halter Ranch Wines, it was difficult not to find a smiling face.  Thank you to all who attended, we'll look forward to seeing you back.  All club member's who didn't attend, consider marking your calendars for the first week in December next year!