California Ag Network

Category: News

  • Robert Young Estate Vineyard and Winery: 159 Years

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Peter Young immigrated to New York in the early 1800’s and came to California in the 1850’s for the Gold Rush. He settled on 120 acres in Alexander Valley, where he raised cattle for leather and sheep.

    Historical photos of the family’s house and barn.
    Photos courtesy of the Young Family.

    At their peak, the Young family had more than 700 head of sheep, raised grain and herds of cattle. Peter cleared the land in the 1870’s and prepared it for the first prune orchard. Peter’s son, Silas, followed in his father’s footsteps. The tradition of growing prunes was carried on by Silas’s son Robert, who was born in 1919.

    In 1935, Robert was only 16 years old when his father passed away. He inherited the ranch with a $70,000 mortgage in the middle of the Great Depression.

    When asked by his great uncle Tom Meek what he wanted to do, Robert said he wanted to stay on the ranch and continue farming instead of selling the property. Meek, a farmer in Alexander Valley and the founder of Soda Rock Winery, went to the bank to guarantee the mortgage, ensuring the future of the Young’s ranch.

    Robert graduated from Healdsburg High School and married his high school sweetheart, Gertrude. The couple had four children: JoAnn, Jim, Susan and Fred, the fourth generation of Youngs to farm in Sonoma County. As children, they remember growing up on a prune ranch, although the property was still maintaining sheep and cattle herds.

    In 1962, a farm advisor suggested that the Young family plant winegrapes, and in 1963 Robert planted the family’s first grapes: 14 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon. After a few years, he realized there was more money in grapes than prunes. In 1965, the Young family planted their second set of grapes, and in 1967 they pulled out their first prunes and replaced them with Chardonnay. In 1978, Jim and Fred worked alongside their father Robert to pull out the last 65 acres of prunes.

    Jim graduated from UC Davis in 1974 and began working on the ranch the following year.

    Over time, Robert and his wife worked to expand their land, through inheritance and purchasing additional acreage.

    Jim and Susan said their dad was determined to set up the company for his four children to ensure its continuity. He was knowledgeable, but also sought advice from attorney’s to figure out how to transfer the property to the next generation.

    The Young Family today. Top row: Paul Kelley, Susan Sheehy, JoAnn Young, J.R. Young; second row from top: Becky Kelley, Tammi Young, Kathleen Young, Jim Young, Kim Young, Fred Young; second row from bottom: Rachel Kelley, Nicole Young, Robert Young, Nikki Young, Todd Sheehy, Ruth Kelley, Arlo Wallace (baby), Stuart Wallace; bottom row: Dave Keller, Kelly Keller, Lily Keller, Sidney Sheehy, Sarah Sheehy, Abby Sheehy (baby), Katie Young, Powell (winery dog).

    The Young family now farms 317 acres of winegrapes, owning 287 and leasing 30. They also have additional land that’s not planted in grapes and continue to run approximately 20 head of cattle.

    The family primarily grows Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but grow 12 varieties in total. They sell to 14 wineries, keeping 5-7% for their own winery.

    The Youngs began talking about a starting a family winery in 1995 to create more opportunities for the family as their kids were getting older. They produced their first vintage at Arrowood in 1997 and have proceeded to make wine at their winery on Red Winery Road in Alexander Valley.

    The grapes grown for the estate winery are more hands-on while other parts are more mechanized. Jim said that labor is the largest challenge of farming in 2017, and he sees the industry moving towards more mechanization as labor becomes more challenging to find.

    Many of the laborers working for the Young family became legalized citizens in the 80’s and have worked for the family for decades. As these farmworkers reach retirement age, the Young family isn’t seeing the next generation replacing the labor force; instead the children are taking jobs in finance or other fields.

    With the family winery in existence for more than 20 years, the Young family is constantly thinking about transitioning the business to the next generation and building opportunities for their children and grandchildren. With four in the fourth generation and 25 in the fifth and sixth generations, the family has 29 potential partners.

    Jim currently serves as the CEO, but the vineyards and winery are governed by a board that includes family members and two industry professionals who can offer an outside view. The winery currently employees multiple family members, while others are working outside the winery gaining experience which might prepare them for a future career at the winery.

    The family isn’t sure who will take over in the next generation, but said the board is their driving force and they are willing to hire experts until the right family member is groomed into an executive position. They have been working on their succession plan for more than 30 years consulting with numerous experts and advisors to get to where they are now. “We realize how fortunate we are to be on this land,” said Susan. “We’re blessed to be here and have had the opportunity that this affords us.”

    For more information visit ryew.com

    Courtesy of Rachel LaFranchi and Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

     

  • Fresno State Students Tour Agriculture Facilities In Azores

    Fresno, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Twelve Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology sstudents returned recently from a study abroad trip to the Azorean islands of Terceira and Sao Miguel as part of Fresno State’s academic exchange agreement with the University of the Azores.

    Students visited dairy, fish, floral, food processing, fruit, sugar, tea, vegetable, vineyard and winery production facilities from May 22 to May 31 and were joined by faculty members John Cordeiro (animal science) and Dr. Maggie Ellis (plant science). University and government officials also presented to the visiting group on international economic, cultural and historic topics.

    Several attending Fresno State students have Portuguese heritage, and the group was composed of viticulture student Kathleen Amaral (San Jose); animal science students Gabriela Arias (Tracy) and Hannah Price (Leona Valley); plant science students Brian Coelho (Riverdale), Elizabeth Gingles (Lemoore) and Lindsey Vieira (Tulare); and agricultural education students Trevor Autry (Nipomo), Lauren Dutra (Hanford), Madison Galvez (Bakersfield), Natalie Gutierrez (Lindsay), Jonathon Porter (Tulare) and Cameron Rocha (Newman).

    The trip was made possible by a $49,000 grant by the Lisbon-based Luso-American Development Foundation to encourage educational and research opportunities between the institutions announced in March 2016.

    Fresno State hosted a similar trip by seven University of the Azores students last September who toured the 1,000-acre campus farm and other area industry locations and attended an area Portuguese cultural celebration and dinner sponsored by the Tulare-Angra Do Heroismo Sister City Foundation.

    For more information on future academic exchanges between the institutions or to discuss support opportunities for this program or the Jordan College, contact Alcidia Freitas Gomes at 559.278.4266 or alcidia@csufresno.edu.

     

  • Tulare County Reports on Current Crop Status

    Visalia, Calif., (June 9, 2017) – Tulare County Agricultural Commissioner released the current status today of Major crops in the most valued county in the California Ag portfolio. They report that with wheat silage harvest almost completed most fields are being planted with summer beans, silage corn, Sudan grass, and silage sorghum. Wheat harvest for grain has begun, and the left over wheat straw is being baled. Alfalfa fields are making excellent progress; and being irrigated, cut, and baled. Corn continues being planted, and earlier planted fields are growing well, with some are developing tassels. Cotton is emerging and being irrigated and growing well.

    Harvest of early season varieties of peaches, nectarines, and plums is tapering off. Mid-season stone fruit varieties are getting close to maturity. Stone fruit are being exported to Australia, Canada, Mexico, and New Zealand. White flesh nectarines and peaches are being shipped to Brazil and Taiwan. Cherries are being picked and packed for domestic markets, and exported to Mexico. Last year’s almonds and pistachios are being exported to the European Union, Israel, Japan, and the United Arab Emirates. Walnut, almond, and pistachio orchards are being irrigated. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continues in orchards. Grapevines continue to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color.

    Some navel oranges continue to be picked and packed for the domestic market. Valencia oranges continue to be harvested and exported to China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Grapefruit harvest is finishing up, with Star Ruby grapefruit being shipped domestically and exported to Korea and Mexico. Seedless tangerines are having the netting removed now that the bloom is over.

    Summer vegetables are being planted and harvested and shipped domestically. Blueberries are being harvested, with exports to the European Union, Japan, and Taiwan. Strawberry harvest is nearing an end with increasing seasonal temperatures. Berries are still being harvested and sold at roadside stands.

    Low elevation rangeland continues to dry, and cattle are being moved to higher elevations. The higher elevations are providing more grass than previous years. Fed cattle prices are at $136.00 per hundredweight.

    Surface water is flowing in many of the irrigation canals. Many farmers across Tulare County are able to use surface water to irrigate crops this year instead of relying solely on pumping ground water. Wholesale nursery shipments to Canada and domestic markets continue.

  • USDA Announces More than $22 Million in Conservation Innovation

    Washington, D. C., (June 8, 2017) – The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) today announced that the agency will award more than $22.6 million to drive public and private sector innovation in resource conservation.  The agency is investing in 33 projects nationwide through its competitive Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) program, which helps develop the tools, technologies, and strategies to support next-generation conservation efforts on working lands and develop market-based solutions to resource challenges. Public and private grantees – including non-governmental organizations, American Indian tribes, academic institutions and local government entities – will leverage the federal investment by at least matching it.

    The projects announced today focus on conservation finance and pay-for-success models to stimulate conservation adoption; data analytics for natural resources; water management technologies and approaches; and historically underserved farmers, ranchers and private forest landowners. The 2017 CIG awards bring the total NRCS investment to nearly $286.7 million for 711 projects since 2004.

    “The Conservation Innovation Grant program is an example of government at its best, providing seed money to help spur cutting-edge projects,” said NRCS Acting Chief Leonard Jordan.  “This year’s competition resulted in an impressive array of proposals that will ultimately benefit the people who grow our food and fiber.”

    The National Audubon Society’s Conservation Ranching Program, for example, pairs private landowners with local ecologists who guide them through sustainable grazing and management practices that support healthy grasslands, vital for birds and cattle alike. Cattle owners who commit to the program can brand their beef with Audubon’s “Grazed on Bird-Friendly Land” label and sell it on a premium market for a greater return-on-investment.  Through the 2017 CIG award, Audubon will scale the program from pilot sites to fully functioning, self-sustaining ranch-to-retail markets in seven western states – bringing conservation-minded producers and consumers together in the marketplace.

    “The CIG conservation finance and pay-for-success projects reward farmers, ranchers and producers who make their livelihoods on America’s working lands sustainably, through sound science and conservation principles,” said Jordan.  “And CIG funding ensures that all producers, including new and under-represented farmers and ranchers, can benefit economically from innovative conservation tools and strategies.

    Annually, about 10 percent of CIG funding is set aside to support efforts to benefit farmers, ranchers and forest landowners who historically have not had equal access to agricultural programs because of race or ethnicity; who have limited resources; who are military veterans interested in farming or ranching; or who are beginning farmers or ranchers.  Ten projects totaling $5,141,856 were selected in 2017 because they will benefit historically underserved agricultural producers and forest landowners.

    With the 2017 CIG funding, the Winston County Self Help Cooperative will educate small, limited-resource and disadvantaged farmers and ranchers in six Mississippi counties on how to obtain access to information, hands-on training exercises, mentoring and other outreach activities that will enhance their agricultural enterprises. WCSHC will provide to producers research-based information on soil health and sustainable production practices with an emphasis on economic and ecological performance.

    The Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians in Washington will utilize the 2017 CIG funds to implement a new and emerging animal waste treatment system for dairy farms. The advanced distillation and nutrient separation processor converts dairy wastewater into clean, distilled reclaim water, with liquid ammonia and nutrient-rich solid material byproducts that can be used for agricultural purposes.  Both the Stillaguamish Tribe and Winston County projects highlight the great potential of science to producers and the farming industry.

    Read about and download the full list of this fiscal year’s selected projects.  CLICK HERE  to view the list through an interactive map.

     

  • Ag One Foundation To Honor Borba Family’s Commitment To Farming

    Fresno, Calif., (June 7, 2017) – Four members of the Borba family, longtime leaders in Central Valley agriculture, will be honored at the Ag One Community Salute on Friday, July 14, at the Fresno Convention Center Exhibit Hall.

    The event’s 18th edition is the first to honor a family and will spotlight third-generation member Tina Borba and her sons, Ross, Jr. and Mark, as well as Mark’s wife Peggy Brown-Borba.

    Tina served as a partner and bookkeeper in the early operations of Borba Farms. Ross Jr. provides legal and accounting advice while Mark and Peggy oversee operations and provide guidance to the fifth generation, their son Derek and his wife Jennifer, who operate the farming and custom farm management operation.

    The J.R. Simplot Company, a privately-held international agribusiness firm headquartered in Boise, Idaho, is the naming sponsor for the event that starts with a social at 6 p.m.

    Community Medical Centers, which operates four local hospitals and several other health care facilities, is the sponsor for the dinner that starts at 7 p.m.

    “The Borba name is a recognized leader in the agricultural industry throughout California and beyond,” said Peter Niboli, J.R. Simplot California retail director. “The family shares a continued passion for progressive and sustainable farming practices, optimized water rights usage and analysis and education outreach. It is a privilege to salute the Borba family, and we look forward to many more years of working together to meet the needs of a growing world population.”

    Proceeds will benefit the Ag One Ross Borba, Sr. Family Endowment established in 1990, which supports deserving Fresno State students pursuing Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology degrees.

    Borba Farms, Inc. was established in 1976, yet the operation’s Central Valley roots date back to the early 1900s. A.J. Borba, an immigrant from the Azores, started the family’s first farm near Hardwick with 40 cows and 120 acres while becoming an advocate for area agriculture. Subsequent generations oversaw a move to Riverdale in the 1940s as it evolved into a Westside row crop leader and expanded to 23,000 acres.

     

  • Broccoli And Lettuce Cost Studies Released By Agricultural Issues Center

    Sacramento, Calif., (June 7, 2017) – New studies with sample costs to produce and harvest iceberg lettuce and broccoli for fresh market in Monterey, Santa Cruz and San Benito counties have been released by UC ANR Agricultural Issues Center and UC Cooperative Extension. Vegetable growers may find these useful for estimating their own production costs and potential returns on investment.

    “These studies have an expanded section on labor, which includes information on California’s new minimum wage and overtime laws,” said Laura Tourte, UC Cooperative Extension farm management advisor in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties, who co-authored the study.

    The analysis is based on a hypothetical well-managed farming operation using practices common to the Central Coast Region. The costs, materials and practices shown in this study will not apply to all farms. Growers, UC ANR Cooperative Extension farm advisors and other agricultural associates provided input and reviewed the methods and findings of the study.

    Both studies assumes a farm operation of 1,500 non-contiguous acres of rented land. The hypothetical iceberg-lettuce farm has 250 acres planted to iceberg lettuce. The lettuce is hand-harvested into 42-pound cartons containing 24 film-wrapped heads. The hypothetical broccoli farm has 500 acres planted to broccoli. The broccoli is hand-harvested into 21-pound bunch cartons.  On each farm, the remaining acreage is assumed to be planted to other cool season vegetable crops.

    The authors describe the assumptions used to identify current costs for production material inputs, cash and non-cash overhead. Ranging analysis tables show net profits over a range of prices and yields. Other tables show the monthly cash costs, the costs and returns per acre, hourly equipment costs, and the whole farm annual equipment, investment and business overhead costs.

    Free copies of “Sample Costs to Produce and Harvest Iceberg Lettuce in the Central Coast – 2017” and “Sample Costs to Produce and Harvest Broccoli in the Central Coast – 2017” and other sample cost of production studies for many commodities are available. To download the cost studies, visit the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics website at https://coststudies.ucdavis.edu.

    The cost and returns studies program is funded by the UC Agricultural Issues Center and UC Cooperative Extension, both of which are part of the UC Division of Agriculture and Natural Resources, and the UC Davis Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics.

    For additional information or an explanation of the calculations used in the studies, contact Jeremy Murdock of the Agricultural Issues Center University at (530) 752-4651, Richard Smith UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Monterey County, at (831) 759-7357 or Tourte at (831) 763-8005.

  • Earl and Dot Holtz Inducted Into Sonoma County Farm Bureau

    Santa Rosa, Calif., (June 7, 2017) – “Did you know when we first came here there were more than 300 dairies,” asked Earl Holtz, “now there are less than 70.”

    Earl and his wife Dot came to Sonoma County in 1964 and have spent their lifetime supporting the dairy industry and educating the public about the importance of agriculture.

    The past 52 years the Holtzes have committed to bettering the dairy industry and the future of Sonoma County agriculture have earned them a prominent spot in Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Hall of Fame. The couple said they are honored to receive the award and in slight awe to be receiving the award alongside the other recipients. Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s award recipients this year also includes Jackson Family Wines who will be receiving the Luther Burbank Conservation Award for their commitment to sustainability and conservation; the Lee Walker Family who have been growing apples in Graton for over 100 years will be honored as the Farm Family of Year. The recipients will be honored at Love of the Land on July 13th.

    Earl, 84, is originally from Pennsylvania; he didn’t grow up on a farm – his parents had owned a farm at one point but quit farming and went into the oil business. Earl came out to California one summer in high school with the intention to just stay for the summer, but he went to work on a dairy in the valley and never moved back to the East Coast. He said he stayed because he enjoyed working with the cattle.

    Dot was born in Turlock and attending Turlock High School when she met Earl who was a year older than her. Earl was attending Ceres High School nearby and the two met when Dot’s sister married the son of the family Earl worked for.

    “My father thought Earl was Mr. Wonderful,” said Dot, “I was not to go out with anyone else.”

    Earl and Dot married on July 10th, 1955 – this year they will be celebrating 62 years of marriage.

    The couple attended San Jose State for two years together, and then Earl spent two years in the Army. Upon returning from the service, Earl and Dot attended Fresno State together where Earl received his bachelor’s degree and Dot received her teaching credential. They moved to Washington where Earl received his master’s degree from Washington State in 1959.

    After Earl finished his degree, he went to work for Topper Feed Mills in Fresno and then the Farmers Home Administration for a year. He resigned from the latter in 1963.

    The following year, Earl and Dot moved to Sonoma County after George Bath hired him to work for the Cooperative Extension, specifically focusing on the dairy industry. For the next 10 years, Earl worked with dairymen throughout the county, occasionally also helping in Marin. Meanwhile, Dot taught at Rincon Valley Elementary school for 10 years. She taught multiple grades, starting in 2nd grade before moving to 3rd, 5th and 7th.

    In 1979, Earl became a partner with Tom Nunez and Max Herzog, owners of a semen company called NorCal Sires. They did business across California also selling bulls to people in the Midwest.

    The competition in the industry was tough, and in 1985 Earl quit the business and went to work for Western United Dairymen. Dot quit her job teaching and stayed to finish up with NorCal sires.

    After NorCal Sires was phased out, Dot worked with Farm Bureau, where Earl has previously served on the board, to help set up their agriculture education program. She was a founder of Sonoma County’s ag in the classroom program, working with dairymen to bring animals to children and educate the general public. Dot recalls the program getting larger and larger until it became too large and Sonoma County Farm Bureau started Ag Days instead.

    During Earl’s time working for Western United Dairymen, he covered Sonoma and Humboldt counties as well as the upper valley including Orland. He said he was working on constant problems with new and existing regulations.

    Earl left his position with Western United Dairymen in 1999 after he was diagnosed with cancer. Although he no longer works in the dairy industry, he has managed to stay actively involved over the last 18 years.

    Many people know Earl through his involvement in the Sonoma County Fair where Earl has announced the dairy shows every year since he retired.

    Earl also participated in Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s Animal Resource Management program where he monitored water quality at dairies around Sonoma County for many years.

    Earl and Dot both continue to volunteer for Sonoma County Farm Bureau and other local organizations, and understand the importance of educating the next generation about agriculture.

    Earl and Dot have three grown children: Corwin, Kathy and Kirvin. Corwin followed in his father’s footsteps and is a respected dairy consultant in upstate New York. Earl and Dot are proud of all three of their children and have three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

    “The dairy industry has been very good to us,” said Dot. “We’ve met a lot of wonderful people, and we just want to let them know how much we appreciate all that they have helped us do.”

    Courtesy of Rachel LaFranchi and Sonoma County Farm Bureau.

  • The 10 Best Napa Wineries to Visit

    By Igor Sill

    What are the best Napa Valley wineries to visit? This isn’t an easy question to answer because there are so many truly amazing Napa wineries. Some people prefer the small boutique “micro” wineries, some want a winery that focuses on their favorite wine style or varietal, while others want a lively venue with many amenities like restaurants, shops and art galleries.  This list is meant as a starting point on your exploration of this globally revered wine region.

    No other wine region on the planet draws as much attention as Napa Valley.  It’s visited by well over three million people every year; making it one of California’s top tourist destinations (Disneyland ranks #1).  Perfect for a day or weekend trip from San Francisco, Napa Valley awards one with beautiful scenery, exceptional wineries, world-renowned wines and, of course, an unforgettably memorable experience.

    For many San Francisco Bay Area tourists, the opportunity of tasting premium wines is an absolute must.  Napa’s soil, gentle climate and growing conditions (terroir) make for ideal grapes, coveted by wine enthusiasts worldwide.

    Napa Valley contains well over 400 wineries, with most welcoming guests with winery tours, wine education and tasting rooms.  While enticing, the sheer number of winery options can be overwhelming.  This article was originally published back in February of 2016 based on reviews from visitors compiled via yelp.com.  In this updated version, I researched both yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com to uncover those wineries that recent visitors felt offered excellent wines, a substantial, service-oriented winery experience, rich history, as well as an informative and entertaining adventure.  Seems a lot has changed since then, both from visitor reviews and the winery programs themselves.

    Both of these websites are free and provide consumers an open platform to voice their experiences about the quality of products, services and experiences so that anyone can instantly acquire information from countless other consumers about their personal experiences ranging from restaurants to movies to physicians and, wineries!  After compiling the most positive ratings, I visited these top 10 wineries unannounced to confirm the reviews.

    The recommendations listed are supported by analyzing well over 3,000 yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com shared reviews, for the best, a few hidden gems, as well as my own first-hand experience of their hospitality, quality of wines, ambiance, history, the overall wine tasting experience and the memories that linger long after the visit is over. Yelp has always been a dependable community review site with full user profiles helping others determine if they might agree with a particular reviewer’s taste.  Yelp encourages users to post real photos and their real first name and last initial. I believe both yelp and TripAdvisor reviews are reliable, trustworthy and fairly representative by visitors.

    Wine is not to be feared, though at first it can seem somewhat daunting.  A knowledgeable wine tender can erase those fears while guiding your pallet to an enjoyable and memorable experience on your very first visit.  If you are a first time visitor, you may wish to consider picking the right time of year to visit.  The best time to visit Napa is during the Spring and Fall seasons, meaning April to early June and the September to October timeframes.  Early fall is our “crush” period, when wineries are harvesting their grapes.  If you want to experience a winery in action, come in the Fall.  The other optimal time is early Spring (late February to March) when Napa Valley’s mustard plants are all in full, brilliant yellow bloom.

    Excellent wines are certainly treasured; however, the experience a winery and its staff provide determines its guest’s assessment and the desire to return.  Wineries achieve first class status when their staff enjoys greeting people, are extraordinary experts in their fields and capable of conveying their knowledge in a friendly, fun and understandable fashion.  Life is way too short for lousy wine and a mediocre time.  And so, with the help of yelp.com and TripAdvisor.com shared reviews, here are 10 of my favorite wineries with tastings and tours that are open to the public.

    Of course, this list only scratches the surface. Napa has dozens of other wineries worth noting, such as Beaulieu, Beringer, Cakebread, Chateau Montelena, Ehlers, Far Niente, Mondavi, Pine Ridge, Shafer, Silver Oak and many more.

    The smaller wineries will often receive guests on an appointment only basis, so always call ahead, or visit their website for availability.  Also, note that Napa zoning restrictions preclude picnic eating at all but a couple of Napa estates, so hold off on that picnic basket.

    Virtually all wineries will charge a fee for the tour or tasting, but given the amount of information garnered and the quality of wines poured, along with the beautiful and stylish settings; these visits are an incredible bargain.

    My list of the best Napa Valley wineries to visit:

    1) V.Sattui Winery, St Helena, Napa (www.vsattui.com):  This is the most popular and most visited winery in all of Napa.  Hours are 9-5 in the winter and 9-6 in the summer months with no appointment required, 7 days a week.  V.Sattui continues to evolve and upgrade their guest experiences, recently adding a Concierge Service designed to custom tailor visits based on guest preferences.  It’s a top favorite because they offer old world Italian charm, more than 60 different wines, champagne and ports, vast picnic grounds, personalized winery and barrel tasting tours, food pairings, a legendary deli with fresh foods, cheeses and a friendly, knowledgeable, well trained staff.   It’s one of the few wineries that consistently receives top awards for their wines crafted by noted Winemaker, Brooks Painter who joined V.Sattui in 2005 from Robert Mondavi Winery.  The main tasting room is as close to a party as you’ll get in the often seriously elitest Napa.  For those who want to learn and talk about terroir while indulging in aficionado conversations about serious wines should visit their Vittorio tasting room (Tower) where wine expert, Marc Golic, can be found.  There’s always a party going on at this winery because it’s always packed with visitors, frequent summer BBQs, special events, entertainment and weddings year round.  This winery has a full time wedding and special events Michelin Star Chef, Stefano Masanti, insuring exceptional cuisine matches glamorous events.  Culinary Director, Joe Schneider, combines award winning wines with weekly food pairing tasting events.  It’s also a great spot to relax with their wines while enjoying a family lunch on their picnic grounds.  The terrace grounds behind Vittorio Tower is like walking through olive tree lined lavender fields in Italy. V. Sattui is a family, dog friendly winery where you’ll see children having a great time as well.  This is truly a wonderful and gorgeous place to spend your day. V.Sattui believes in doing very little advertising, relying mostly on word-of-mouth from loyal Wine Club members, which seems to be working very well for them. Highly recommended for fun-loving novice wine buffs as well as the accomplished wine aficionado. 1111 White Lane, St Helena, CA 94574  (707) 963-7774

    2) Darioush Winery, Oak Knoll, Napa (www.darioush.com): I made reservations for 4 at Darioush Winery for a flight of 5 wines hosted tasting on a busy Saturday afternoon @ $150 per person. We arrived a bit early and drove up that beautiful long driveway at the base of Atlas Peak off of Silverado Trail. We were graciously greeted as we approached the entry by Mark, a very friendly concierge who checked us in with a smile and served us a wonderful Russian River Chardonnay. Mark quickly guided us inside to a waiting living room setting in front of a massive fireplace graced by Persian columns. Mark then introduced us to our host, Derek, who engaged us with a bit of history behind Darioush’s founder, Darioush Khaledi, who achieved the American dream by immigrating to the US from Iran following the Islamic revolution and started what turned out to become the largest family-owned grocery business in Los Angeles. He then founded Darioush in 1997 to bring the opulent architecture, rich culture, arts and wines of the famed royal city of Persepolis to Napa. And, that he has done. The winery is amazingly impressive, with Persepolis columns framing the entrance with a royal palace setting inside. Our 5 wines were served paired perfectly with artisan cheeses and nuts. We tasted 2 Syrahs, a Merlot, a 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon and lastly, the Darioush Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. All were luscious and superbly outstanding. Darioush himself walked over, introduced himself and welcomed us to his winery with a genuine and gracious hospitality, making us feel like royalty. Derek then invited us downstairs where we toured Darioush’s personal wine collection cellar, filled with first growth Bordeaux wines, in the style of Haut-Brion, Chateau Latour, Chateau Margaux (one of my personal favorites), Chateau Lafite and Mouton Rothschild, including a bottle of 1942 Chateau Lafite Rothschild–reportedly one of only 2 left in the world. Derek then pulled out a wine thief and proceeded to extract tastings for each of us from a cellar French oak barrel of 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon, yet to be bottled or released. It was truly outstanding and, though a bit young, will clearly be brilliant in a few years. Overall, we tasted some 7 lovely wines and were graced with an unforgettable wine tasting experience in one of Napa’s absolutely finest wineries.  Without question, an exceptional and unforgettably memorable experience, worthy of 6 yelp stars (5 is the max)! Appointments required. 4240 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 257-2345

    3) Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga, Napa (www.castellodiamorosa.com): Castello di Amorosa knows how to make a huge first impression.  Set on a Calistoga knoll, this authentically styled, 13th Century Tuscan castle winery is unlike any other you’ll visit.  It took some 15 years for owner Dario Sattui (founder of V.Sattui Winery) to construct it and has all the elements you’d expect from an authentic Italian castle, such as a moat with drawbridge, high stone walls, gargoyles, a church and fully equipped torture chamber.  The castle winery produces hand-crafted Italian-styled wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Primitivo and Sangiovese.  A number of guided tours and tastings are available. The castle hits all the marks: delicious wines that you can only get from here, unforgettably gorgeous grounds, delectable foods and cheeses, and a friendly, knowledgeable staff.  Busy and crowded.  $25 gets you into the castle along with 5 tastings. 4045 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29) (707) 967-6272

    4) Spottswoode, St Helena, Napa (www.spottswoode.com): Spottswoode is a true family owned historic winery on the west side of St Helena in the Napa Valley.  Established in 1882 by George Schonewald, the estate is distinguished by the historic Victorian home portrayed on their wine labels.  Founder, Mary Novak was a vital part of the fabric of Napa Valley and its wine community since 1972. Her intelligence, sense of humor, humility, and vivacious personality continues to inspire all at Spottswoode. Today, the winery is managed by her daughters Beth Novak Milliken, its President & CEO and Lindy Novak, who runs the winery’s wholesale marketing program.  The family produces a small portfolio of 4 delicious varietals, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and a miniscule amount of Syrah and Albarino.  Their hospitality and tasting room is in a quaint Victorian farmhouse nestled amongst the vines. Tours are available on Monday through Fridays at 10AM with no more than 10 people allowed, so call in advance as this is a popular site.  Spottswoode is consistently rated one of the very best (5 stars) at Yelp.  Phone (707) 963-0134 or email tours@spottswoode.com to make a reservation.

    5) Inglenook Winery, Rutherford, Napa (www.inglenook.com):  As one of the original Napa wineries, the elegant, ivy-covered Inglenook was founded by Finnish sea captain and Wine Connoisseur, Gustave Niebaum in 1879.  Gustave was passionate about making fine wines in small quantities.  Many Hollywood legends were drawn to this Napa treasure in the 1930’s and 40’s including Carole Lombard, Clark Gable and Jean Harlow to name just a few.  In 1975, Francis Ford Coppola acquired the notorious winery from the Niebaum family and spent considerable time, money and energy restoring it back to its magnificent original splendor.  It has since been known by several names, ala Niebaum-Coppola, Coppola and Rubicon until 2011, when Francis Ford Coppola acquired the Inglenook trademark, paying more, he said, than he had paid for the entire estate.  He has since, restored the historic name Inglenook to the estate so that it remains a true crown jewel of Napa Valley.  Tours are by appointment and definitely worthwhile so that you can appreciate these amazing grounds.

    6) Artesa Vineyards and Winery (www.artesawinery.com) Out of all these wineries, Artesa offers the very best overall Napa views.  The family-owned winery is set into the highest hill of its 350-acre estate. A terrace offers beautifully expansive vistas of the surrounding countryside, and on clear days, a view of the San Francisco skyline.

    Artesa’s architecture reflects a series of Spanish Mediterranean themes. Originally named Codorniu Napa, the name was changed to Artesa in 1997, which translates to “handcrafted” in catalan. Today Artesa wines are crafted from the varietals for which Carneros and Napa Valley are best known: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon.  Tastings are $35, $45 and $55 per person dependent on exclusivity of the wines served.  There are some truly amazing picturesque views to absorb as you enjoy some truly great wines.  1345 Henry Road, Napa (707) 224 1668

    7) Domaine Carneros, Napa, CA (domainecarneros.com) Founded by the noble French family behind Champagne Taittinger, this majestically grand château is a splendid way to enjoy the Carneros Appellation of Napa. This stunning, fairy-tale château was modeled after an 18th-century French mansion owned by Taittinger. Carved into the hillside below the winery are exceptional sparkling wines reminiscent of those crafted by Taittinger, using estate grown Los Carneros grapes.  The estate is located in the southern part of Napa Valley near the cooler climate of San Pablo Bay.  There are 3 terraces from which you can enjoy breathtaking views while sipping extraordinary Sparkling and Pinot Noir wines. If you elect to take a tour, you’ll experience behind-the-scenes look at how wines are produced, from the vineyards through to the bottling process and culminates with a sampling of wines paired with an array of artisan cheeses, gourmet caviar, smoked salmon and charcuterie while seated in the Louis XV–inspired salon or on the terrace overlooking the vineyards. Reservations are required. 1240 Duhig Road. Napa, CA 94559. (707) 257-0101, email: tours@domainecarneros.com. Tasting Hours: 10:00AM-5:30PM

    8) Luna Vineyards, Napa, CA (lunavineyards.com): Co-founders Michael Moone and George Vare launched Luna Vineyards in 1995.  Wonderful, magically modern and an absolutely amazing small estate vineyard close by to downtown Napa and a short distance from Silverado Resort.  You can leave your car parked at your Napa B&B and easily get there via bike.  Luna, located on Silverado Trail is the largest producer of Pinot Grigio in Napa. They offer a sunny patio area with ample comfy chairs to relax in while tasting their wines.  Luna is more like a wine bar than a working winery, with music playing and a relaxed comfortable setting.  You can also catch the beautiful scenic views of the historic Silverado Trail overlooking the vineyards from their rooftop tower.  They specialize in Atlas Peak mountain varietals which include Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese.  Reservations are recommended. 2921 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 Open Daily: 10:30AM – 6PM (707) 255-5862

    9) Opus One, Oakville, Napa (www.opusonewinery.com) This winery originated as the joint venture between Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe Rothschild who teamed up to create this magnificent winery focused on producing a single Bordeaux styled blend based on Napa Valley floor Cabernet Sauvignon.  Opus One Winery delivers a luxurious, though somewhat formal wine experience. The estate is impressive, especially when driving down the center driveway to the winery entrance.  Looking out across Opus One’s vineyards from the upstairs terrace, you immediately sense the beauty of Napa Valley.  This is a winery to just sit back, relax and absorb a wonderful glass of wine with the company of good friends.  It doesn’t get any more luxuriously sophisticated than this, so take plenty of pictures while there.  Constellation Brands acquired Robert Mondavi winery in 2004 and entered into a management agreement with Baron Rothschild to manage Opus One.  The Winery tours are by appointment only, so call in advance to secure your reservation, and if possible, note that their very best and most knowledgeable tour Docents are Sandy, Nancy, Vicki, Hank and Japanese-speaking, Kaede.  Opus One produces only one wine, a Bordeaux-style Cabernet Sauvignon blend, so be prepared for tasting one lovely red wine in a bit pretentious and pricey setting.  Opus One is worth the visit. 7900 St. Helena Highway (Hwy 29) Oakville, CA 94562 (707) 944-9442 Tasting Hours: 10:00AM-4:00PM

    10) Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Oakville, Napa (www.cask23.com): Founded in 1970 by Warren Winiarski, this winery brought international acclaim to Napa Valley winemaking when their 1973 Cabernet Sauvignon won the famous 1976 “Judgment of Paris” tasting.  A bottle of 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon was inducted into the Smithsonian National Museum in 1996 as a result of being awarded first in this competition and to reflect the impact that the achievement had on Napa’s wine industry.  The winery’s newly remodeled facility provides floor-to-ceiling views of its vineyards as its centerpiece.  The winery’s cave “is the moral center of the universe” according to founder Warren Winiarski.  He installed an amazing floor-to-ceiling Foucault pendulum at the center of the vaulted caves. It’s an awesome sight to behold as it swings methodically.  The winery was sold to a joint venture by Chateau Ste Michelle and Marchesi Antinori in the summer of 2007. Reservations are accepted Monday through Friday from 10AM to 4:30PM at tours@cask23.com. 5766 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558 (707) 261-6410

    After an enjoyable and fun-filled day of wine tasting, you may want to continue your romantic adventure by exploring a few of Napa Valley’s finest restaurants.  Paring those exceptional wines is a very real part of the wine country lifestyle. Chef Thomas Keller’s French Laundry, located in Yountville is a three Michelin stars, though getting a reservation is challenging and, if successful, costly, however, the intimacy of the dining experience make it well worth your while.  Another favorite is Auberge du Soleil in Rutherford, offering superb dining with a magnificent valley view.  A bit further north in St. Helena, is one of my favorites, Market, on Main Street in downtown St Helena.  Not far away, is PRESS Restaurant which boasts exquisite steaks and one of the valley’s best all-Napa wine lists. On Silverado Trail is Chef Christopher Kostow’s The Restaurant at Meadowood, another 3 star Michelin restaurant.  Further north in Calistoga is another of my favorites, Solage’s Solbar which offers a relaxing and beautiful setting, local and seasonal ingredients as well as an extensive wine list. So, pack your bags and increase your expectations. You won’t be disappointed.

    The author Igor Sill farms a 24-acre mountain vineyard in Atlas Peak and a terraced cabernet sauvignon vineyard in St Helena, Napa, California.  He’s a passionate vintner; wine lover; writer; Court of Master Sommeliers; attended UC Davis’ winemaking program; Member, Napa Valley Wine Technical Group; Judge, International Wine Challenge, London UK and holds his Masters from Oxford University.

  • USDA California Crop/Weather Report

    Sacramento, Calif., (June 6, 2017) – Last week started with warm temperatures, followed by cooler temperatures as a surge of Pacific moisture brought light rain to many areas in the State. Dry and warm conditions were felt during the weekend.

    Precipitation fell in parts of the state on Monday through Wednesday, with Thursday through Sunday seeing no measurable rainfall. The heaviest rains fell over the northern valley and windward slopes of the Sierras north of Kings Canyon, where areas received around one inch of rainfall. All other parts of the valley received up to half an inch. Additional isolated showers and thunderstorms just inland from the San Diego area dropped up to half an inch on Wednesday. No new snowfall occurred last week. Snowcover was limited to the highest peaks of the southern Sierras, including Whitney, where one to two feet of snowcover still existed. The most extensive snowpacks continued to lie above 7,500 feet in the central Sierras, where one to three feet of snowcover still existed. The northern mountains were devoid of snowcover except for the peak of Shasta, which had up to six feet of snowcover.

    Temperature highs were in the 60s to 70s along the coast, 60s to 80s in the mountains, 80s to 90s in the valley, and 80s to 110s in the desert. The temperature lows were in the 30s to 50s in the mountains, 40s to 50s along the coast, 50s to 60s in the valley, and 60s to 80s in the desert.

    Alfalfa fields were making excellent progress being cut, dried, and baled. Corn planting continued with earlier planted fields growing well. Corn fields were being injected with nitrogen to promote growth. Cotton was emerging and being irrigated.

    Peaches, nectarines, and apricots were being exported to foreign markets. Summer pruning of stone fruit orchards began. Both mechanical and chemical weed control continued in orchards. Orchard floors continued to be lined with reflective plastic to improve color prior to harvest. Grape vines continued to have leaves removed to allow for improved air circulation and light around the developing bunches to improve color. Cherry harvest continued, while the peak of cherry season has passed. Valencia oranges continued to be harvested and exported. Grapefruit harvest was finishing up, with Star Ruby grapefruit being exported to foreign markets. Old citrus trees were being pulled to make way for new citrus varieties. Seedless tangerines continued to be netted. Olives were still blooming.

    New orchards of almonds continued to be planted or ground prepped. Pistachio, walnut and almond orchards were irrigated and fertilized. Last year’s stored almonds and pistachios continued to be exported to foreign market places. Some orchard floors were sprayed with herbicides and fungicides.

    In San Joaquin County, processing tomatoes were growing well. Summer vegetables were harvested and offered for sale at local Farmers’ markets. The asparagus harvest was over. In Monterey County, the price for lettuce and other commodities had improved from the previous week. Production and weather were good. In San Mateo County Brussels sprouts were planted and the fields were fumigated. Fava beans and peas were harvested. In Fresno County, tomatoes were cultivated. Carrots, broccoli, and spring lettuce were harvested. Onions were irrigated and prepared for harvest. In Tulare County, summer vegetables were harvested and shipped domestically. Melons were irrigated and cantaloupes were picked. Zucchini was harvested.

    Foothill range and valley dryland pasture forage quality was primarily in fair to good condition. Drying out of grasses continued in the Sierra foothills. Sheep grazed on retired pasture and dormant alfalfa. Bees were active in vegetable fields.

  • First Day Sales For Fresno State Sweet Corn: Record 38,586 Ears

    Fresno, Calif., (June 6, 2017) – The first day of sales for the 2017 harvest of Fresno State sweet corn, Friday, June 2, produced record results with 38,586 ears sold (the previous high was 36,892 ears in 2016).

    This includes 36,134 ears of yellow corn and 2,452 ears of white corn in 77 bins for a record total corn sales of $15,834, reported Jeremy Lewis, manager of the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market on campus.

    The sweet corn for the first day sold out at 5:01 p.m., two hours before closing time yesterday. Sales resumed today at 8 a.m. until closing at 6 p.m. or supplies run out and again 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday before summer hours begin on Monday.

    Corn is scheduled to be available everyday through Labor Day. The student-run market is located at 5368 N Chestnut Ave north of Shaw.

    Fresno State’s campus-grown sweet corn will be available for the first time this year at 7 a.m. Friday, June 2, at the Rue and Gwen Gibson Farm Market (5368 N. Chestnut Ave.).

    Customers can choose from the traditional yellow and white varieties of the market’s most popular product.

    Corn will be sold at 40 cents per ear throughout the summer with supplies expected to move fast. A dozen-count bag of yellow corn will also be available for $6 during opening weekend to save customers time.

    The product was first grown on campus fields in 1981 and was first sold to the public in 1982.

    Sweet corn is raised on the 1,000-acre University Agricultural Laboratory that sponsors 22 enterprises and provides student-made dairy, food processing, fruit, horticulture, livestock, meat, nut and wine products to the Gibson Farm Market.

    About $1 million in products are sold each year at the market to support Jordan College of Agricultural Sciences and Technology students and programs.

    The store will resume its normal summer hours on Monday, June 5: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

    For more information, contact 559.278.4511 or farmmarket@fresnostate.edu or visit the Gibson Farm Market’s Facebook page at Fresno State Farm Market