First Crush at New Larkmead Vineyards Winery
October 1, 2005

It was a small and discreet gathering but a significant one as we all stood on the new crush pad at 1100 Larkmead Lane on Saturday October 1st 2005 waiting for the first 1/2 ton bins to arrive at the new winery.

Our Winemaker, Andy Smith and Winery Manager, Colin MacPhail are both from Edinburgh in Scotland so we decided that it would be unusual but fitting to have the first grapes piped in by a Scottish bagpiper. (Peter Kapp) Cam was pleased because his Grandmother was from Scotland but Kate did remind us that the Solari family are all of Italian heritage, "So we had better have a really good Italian Harvest Party once all the grapes are in."

The crop ripened up nicely and although late is heavier than the past few years which will mean careful use of tank space and Cam getting the check book out to buy more barrels.

As the first tractor came in Monsignor Brenkle, an old friend of the Solari family, led us in a short service. Kate had phoned him and asked if he might conduct a "Blessing of the Grapes".

"Father, when you created this world and all in it you said that it was good. We thank you for the "goodness" of this land. May these grapes - the product of your blessing and human labor - bring joy and pleasure to many. May the wine it produces sustain and make joyful our lives and may we always use this drink for your glory and for our pleasure, Amen." Psalm 104

Whatever your faith, taking a moment to step back and realize what we are lucky enough to be part of is important. In fact you don't realize how important until you stand in that small circle in this historic corner of Napa Valley as the 110th harvest at Larkmead Vineyards is about to begin.

Indispensable at the new winery for harvest this year are Daniel O'Brien (Harvest Assistant Winemaker) of New York and Jack Glover (Harvest Intern) of Malborough in New Zealand. They have been working hard since they got here and running a harvest in a brand new winery is quite a challenge. With pressure hose in hand Jack observed wryly that from his perspective harvest is 90% cleaning. Not so glamorous as many of us might think.

Finally we have not forgotten the tasting room which is still progressing but until now had to take second seat to getting the production building finished. Kate has been working on the interior spaces and her daughter Ann Baker, a landscape designer, will shortly be putting all her plans for the garden and surrounding spaces into effect.

Thanks for your support and we look forward to bringing you the fruits of the new winery and the 2005 harvest.

-- All at Larkmead.