Herefords & Vineyards

My Two Best Friends.

The vineyard.
Photo by: Keepsake's by Katlin

One of the many highlights of the trip was learning about California's wine industry. It was very interesting to listen to Jim Mickelson, Kunde Estate,  explain how the the land is worked and the tedious work that goes into owning a vineyard operation. Did you know that a lot of the work is done by hand? Each year vines are planted as replacements for the older vines that no longer produce grapes. Just like people and cows they are not able to produce forever! While visiting I noticed how cool, damp and foggy it was in the morning and then warmed right up in the 80*'s by Noon. I was told that damp climate is needed for prime grape growing.

Almost ready for harvest.
Photo by: Keepsake's by
Katlin 

Barrels storing the wine in the
cave. Photo by:
Keepsake's by Katlin

Our visit fell right before the harvest season so the grapes were mighty plump. Remember the Keepsakes by Katlin pictures in yesterday's post? Soon life for the Kunde Estate will get rather hectic fairly quickly, they will be harvesting their grapes now through October. The Estate has quite a few employees on hand to get through the harvest season successfully. At Kunde Estate they not only have enough land to grow the grapes but also convert those grapes into wine and keep the barrels in caves. The caves were amazing! After harvesting the wine needs to be stored in a rather damp and cool environment. 

Cattle & Wine: I couldn't have picked a
better vaca!

And what better compliment to wine then looking at Hereford cattle?? That's right the morning was spent touring by bus the Estate's vineyards and seeing their prospects for their upcoming Hereford bull sale. Thanks again Mickelson's & Kunde Estates for hosting us!

Danielle, Mom & I after enjoying a picnic
on a cliff @ Kunde Estate

My Beauteous Mom! We had so much fun!
A trip we won't forget!

Thanks for visiting:)

N.Starr