Live from the Vineyard - Wines That Rock Winemaker Mark Beaman talks about the 2009 Harvest

Q: What kinds of things are you attentive to in the lead-up to harvest?
What has the weather been like?

A: The grapes will ripen early or late according to the heat or cool patterns. Do we have all the supplies we need and is every¬thing in working order? Yeast, nutrients, cleaning supplies. That pump that burnt out at the end of harvest...did we fix that because we are going to need it soon!

Q: Do you do anything special to get ready for the season?

A: I sit down with my wife, Kate, and tell her I won’t be seeing her for a few months. Actually, it’s not that bad, but the term ‘Harvest Widow’ sums up how much the winery is going to be dominat¬ing my life for the fall. I also stock up on salty snacks for the laborato¬ry food supply. Believe me, after tasting so many grapes and juice samples the last thing you want is something with more sugar in it. I also buy a new pair of running shoes with good support. Oh yeah—and cold beer in the fridge at home.

Q: How do you know when harvest is officially here?
A: When Roy Adreveneo, the winery’s long-time harvest consultant, comes by the laboratory more than once in a week...and when I can¬not tell what the original color of my shoes were because of all the grape juice and vine¬yard dust on them.