A Look Back at the Year:
Vintage 2004 Harvest Photos

The Hawks Butte Syrah bud break in early April.

Merlot bud break surrounded by spring wildflowers in early April.

One month later in early May, tiny merlot clusters were already starting to form.

By early June, though barely visible, grape flowers filled Hawks Butte vineyard with sweet aromas (merlot pictured).

Fogyg, cool mornings and warm days characterize Hawks Butte Vineyard.

Syrah at nearly full growth by early August.

Cindy would love to have a tractor of her own someday.

We farm Hawks Butte Vineyard sustainably, to grow healthy crops and to support wildlife, like our growing family of jack rabbits.

Western Fence Lizards (aka bluebellies) make their home at the base of the vines and soak up the sun on lazy summer afternoons.

In the first week of August, veraison (the coloring of the grapes) is just starting in Hawks Butte Vineyard (merlot pictured).

Up the road a few miles in the Weir Vineyard, the pinot noir is about half way through veraison by early August.

Summer heat arrives in August, ripening the fruit and producing beautiful sunsets overlooking Hawks Butte Syrah and pond.

Cool nights and foggy mornings drop the fruit temperature daily in Hawks Butte Vineyard, developing great flavor.

By late August, the Hawks Butte Syrah and Merlot are usually about through veraison.

Tthe Weir Vineyard Pinot Noir is often ready to harvest early to mid September.

Deb's favorite job is to drive the fork lift, especially to unload the year's harvest.

After cold soaking for several days, the fermentation takes off, and Deb punches the grape must down 2-3 times a day.

By late September, the Hawks Butte Syrah is usually fully ripened.

The merlot is often ready to harvest in late September too.

Bins of Hawks Butte Syrah lined up and ready to be processed.

A cool day makes for good wine making weather.

Ana and Luisa hand sort the grapes, ensuring that only the best quality fruit is used to make the wine.

Winemaker Deb is in her element, barrel-tasting the results of her labors.

An idyllic fall day after the harvest in Hawks Butte Vineyard.

Cindy and Deb celebrate in San Francisco after another great harvest.