Our Thoughts

It’s been a fast five months since our last edition of “Our Thoughts”. The critique here in the vineyard offices is that we haven’t had time to collect our thoughts….we’re too busy. And while such is all too often the case these days, the correct answer to the gap in this section of our web site is: With so much happening these days, what do we talk about first?

 

I have had the privilege to attend a few seminars over the past months that have, in one way or another, addressed this thing called “the wine industry.” Our friend Rich Smith, who grows wonderful Pinot Noir (among other things) in Santa Lucia Highlands, recently rebutted one columnist by saying that “California growers and wineries do not have a 'wine industry' any more than restaurants have a 'dining industry'.” His comments were framed to support the thought that despite reports of this business being on the brink of collapse due to strong sales of imported wines in this country, most of the players are doing well or at least showing growth trends and budding relationships that foster ongoing success…..WHEW!

 

Rich’s perspective is echoed by us at TFV. Over the past few months, we have fielded a wave of interest by wine drinkers and distributors alike who are anxious to try wines from our small growing region. I guess the word is out…and that’s a long overdue thing in our mind. The article that Rich was quoted in also made note that smaller, high quality growing regions (such as the east Contra Costa County area) are vital to the overall success of the ‘industry’. The wines produced here show how California has much to offer in an overall sense….not only from superstar appellations like Napa, Sonoma and Monterey (Santa Lucia Highlands) but little CoCo county too! Our wines grown on the Tamayo estate continue to show that this region has much to offer in the “Over Deliver” category. From the recent sell out of our Celebration Red (apologies to everyone who called asking for more….next year!) to our medal winning Rose and local favorite estate grown Syrahs, people are continuing to call for more wines from our rich and diverse growing region. If you have yet to try each of these hallmark wines from Tamayo Family Vineyards, I suggest that you join one of our clubs today. You’ll get the chance to experience wines from California’s BEST growing regions….especially Contra Costa County.