Archive for January, 2009

Wednesday, January 21st, 2009

Obama, Lassalle Champagne and Sparkling Cider

Whatever your political affiliation, there’s no denying that yesterday was historic.  I moved to the United States when I was seven years old and I’ve always been proud to call myself an American.  But yesterday was something all together different.  I felt a visceral connection to history that I have never felt before.
The import of […]

2 Comments » - Posted in Wine and Food by Pinto Naravane

Sunday, January 18th, 2009

The Dark Knight and Togni 1989 – Why So Serious?

My oldest boy Aidan gave me The Dark Knight DVD as a Christmas present.  We had both seen it in the theatres and loved it.  Last night we decided to watch it again.
When watching a movie like The Dark Knight, it’s pretty much understood that it’s a night for bonding between Aidan and me – […]

No Comments » - Posted in Wine and Food by Pinto Naravane

Thursday, January 15th, 2009

TTB Approval

We finally got our TTB approval!
Rasa Vineyards is now an official winery.

2 Comments » - Posted in Rasa Vineyards by Pinto Naravane

Tuesday, January 13th, 2009

Vineyard Manager

We own 28 acres of land in Milton-Freewater, Oregon – just across the WA/OR border and within the Walla Walla AVA.  We feel it’s the best area in the Walla Walla AVA to grow grapes.
Currently, 6 acres are planted to Chelan cherries, 7 acres to Crimson Gala apples, and 6 acres to Red Delicious apples.
There […]

No Comments » - Posted in Rasa Vineyards by Pinto Naravane

Sunday, January 11th, 2009

Nancy Drew and the 2006 La Posta

I promised my little girl Karly that I’d watch a movie with her last night.  Her choice was Nancy Drew.
We just saw this movie last week.  She wanted to watch it again but this time she wanted me to pause throughout the movie so I can explain it to her.
Better pour myself something to drink […]

3 Comments » - Posted in Wine and Food by Pinto Naravane

Saturday, January 10th, 2009

Rasa Vineyards Inaugural Wine

We made our first wine in 2007 and it’s time to bottle it.
The bottling date is March 4 and we have a lot to do to get ready.
We’ve decided on a proprietary name, look of the label, type of bottle, type of cork, and capsule.  We now need to order all this stuff.
We’ll be busy […]

No Comments » - Posted in Rasa Vineyards by Pinto Naravane

Friday, January 9th, 2009

Professor Billo

Billo is now teaching viticulture at Walla Walla Community College.
I give him 3 months before he gets fired for sleeping with a student.
Best of luck Billo.  As always, I’m very proud.

4 Comments » - Posted in Rasa Vineyards by Pinto Naravane

Thursday, January 8th, 2009

TTB Frustration

We were supposed to have gotten our winery permit a couple of weeks ago.
What happened I asked?
Blah, blah, blah.  There was a mistake on their end and they are working on it.
We should have our permit next week.
I’m starting to get a little worried.

No Comments » - Posted in Rasa Vineyards by Pinto Naravane

Wednesday, January 7th, 2009

Meeting Gary Vaynerchuk of Wine Library

Last week, Billo and I had a meeting with Gary Vaynerchuk.  Gary and I met a couple of times through the years but I’m sure he didn’t remember me.
His family owns Wine Library in Springfield, NJ and he’s the Director of Operations.  With Gary at the helm, Wine Library has blossomed into a $50 million […]

No Comments » - Posted in Rasa Vineyards by Pinto Naravane

Tuesday, January 6th, 2009

2006 Glaetzer Anaperenna and 1997 Viader

Billo went back to Walla Walla today.  We had a lot of fun and as always, time spent together was too short.
We slowed down our wine consumption the last two days to only one bottle per day.  We must be getting old.
I was quite surprised at the quality of the 2006 Ben Glaetzer Anaperenna from […]

No Comments » - Posted in Wine and Food by Pinto Naravane