Another FYO Day
Yes, it's that time again. Over the past several years, it seems we are holding these about 3 times a year: just before vintage in March or April; in the middle of winter or about now; and in November/December, or before Christmas.
I also try to coordinate it so that Luke, my oldest son, is back from overseas when he can help. And sometimes make his South African toasted sandwiches.
For those who don't know what our FYO day is- and there can't be many of you, it goes like this:
When: Sunday, July 30 from 9:30-1. Or until the wine runs out
What: some of our red wine (although 10 years ago I actually used our rose)
How: bring a minimum of 6 bottles with or without used screwcaps- as we have corks. We also have new bottles you can buy with corks. So 6 bottles is the minimum. More is certainly possible. And fill them yourself outside our winery entrance.
Cost: $16 per bottle of yours. $2 for new bottles. Corks are 50 cents extra.
This is always a fun morning. We have corking machines if you need them. And this morning happens regardless of the weather- as it is undercover. Any questions? You can email me directly.
A. Heron's Flight Wine Club
We have finally finished all the details of this. It is currently being uploaded to our website- which will take the next couple of weeks. I'll let everyone know when it is.
We have already printed special membership cards which entitles members to special events and tastings.
B. 3 bottle Volare Sangiovese 2021 special
We still have this special available. Get 10% off 3 bottles of our new Volare.
Normally $32. Plus $10 freight or $86 + $10. This is not on our website so, if interested, contact me directly: david@heronsflight.co.nz
C. Tasting at La Fuente in Auckland, Tuesday July 25, from 5pm
A friend of mine and winemaker has just taken over an on-line wine club called Boutique Connection. Renee will also be hosting public tastings and to begin this process, she has invited me to join her at La Fuente, where I will be offering our wine for tasting. This is a good opportunity to see what she does and to taste our current wines.
D. I received many comments in response to my last newsletter about the decrease in vineyards in Matakana. We have been here since the 1980's and have seen the beginning of Matakana as a wine region throughout the 1990's; the height of vineyards in the mid-2000's (when there were 20-25 vineyards), to the more recent transformation of Matakana into a hospitality destination. And the decrease in vineyards to what is now maybe half a dozen. But only a few that one can visit.
Operating a vineyard is not easy. And the weather is only one factor. But there is a great satisfaction in tending grapes. Knowing that grapes have been grown for 8000 years, and been a significant part of the cultural development of societies. And if you can transform what you grow into wine- that is even more special.
Mary used to talk about the role vineyards played in society, and the alchemical, or almost magical, process of turning these grapes into wine. She loved this vineyard and this connection with the cultural history of wine. She never saw wine as an end in itself, but something convivial, which brings people and families together. And which is life enhancing, lifting the soul. The ancient Greeks knew this, as did the Georgians before them. We have a photo in our new tasting room of Mary pouring wine as a libation into our very first vine planted, in 1988, with me reading Plato. That was a long time ago, but the connection with this history still keeps me enthusiastic!
Our new Tasting Room is open daily for wine and self made platters. So come and visit if in the area. For those cold and often rainy days, our wine library has 100's of wine books from around the world to read and peruse.
Hope to see some of you at the upcoming FYO day.
All the best,
David