Summer Update

Summertime, and the livin' is (not so) easy! Wonderful, yes, but this is a busy time of year for us resident farmworkers. Here's what's up.

• Vines: Our work is paying off! The vine canopy is more green and healthy than we've ever seen it. The syrah clusters have set nicely, and the 700+ grenache vines we grafted onto existing rootstock are doing well. With another 14-16 weeks before harvest, the vineyard's looking good! (read more...)
  
  
• Animals: The sheep and their ever-watchful guardian dog are out of the vineyard and into their summer pasture, munching wild grasses, weeds, and poison oak, and napping for much of the day to stay cool. We had a few tragically sad losses, including our best-old-buddy, Goldy the cat. (read more...)
  
  
• Wines: Currently available to buy: (1) a 2006 Kiger Syrah, with our vineyard highlighted on front and back labels, from Miller Wine Works; (2) a 2005 Sonoma Valley Syrah from Robert Biale Vineyard/Hill Climber, with about 80% of the grapes from that wine sourced from our vineyard. Our (not-for-sale) house wines, The Odyssey and the new 2008 Rosé are being happily consumed. (read more...)
  
  
• Work: Guest worker opportunities for those who want to indulge their "Inner Farmer." The perks are great! But some of you will be glad you have a "real" job! (read more...)
  
  
• Wine Drinking: In-house and out-of-state consumption of aforementioned house wines grew over the last four months. Pictures here. And we'd be glad to post up any pictures you send of your drinking our wine. Many of our friends bought the Miller Wine Works Kiger Family Vineyards 2006 Syrah, and we've heard great reports. All fans can also post photos/comments on the Facebook KFV page (see below!) (new pix...)
  
  
• KFV Page on Facebook: Become a Fan! I do weekly (or whenever something interesting comes up) posts and photos of vineyard happenings. If you're already a Facebook user, find the page by searching on "Kiger Family Vineyards" in the Facebook search box. After 100 users have become fans, I can get a "real" username, but until then, no dice.
  

We welcome your updates too! Stay in touch -- email or Facebook -- to tell us what's up.   

Cheers, l'chaim, and salute,
John & Deb