August 2022
Veraison 🍇
As the days of August roll by, our grapes are becoming more and more ripe. Our white varietals such as Seyval Blanc, Valvin Muscat, and Chardonnay could even be ready to pick within the next few weeks! The reds however take a bit longer to ripen and have just completed “Veraison”, when they change color from green to purple.
During this transition, each berry changes color individually, which makes for a great picture. As the grapes turn purple, they become much softer and sweeter, tempting birds, deer, and other animals who may pass through the vineyard. To combat this grazing, we cover the fruit with mesh netting. These nets protect the grapes while still allowing sunlight and wind to penetrate the canopy, preventing rot from developing on the berries.
As we reach the home stretch of the growing season, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for no hurricanes or hailstorms!
Music & Food Truck!
Mark your calendars for Saturday August 13th! Shadow Springs will be hosting a great afternoon of music, food, and wine. His & Hers, a husband and wife folk duo, will be providing the music, and Heavy Nopal Crafted Fare will be serving up some delicious food. No tickets are required, just come out and enjoy the day with us!
SSV Petit Manseng
Our Shadow Springs ‘21 Petit Manseng is a dry, crisp white wine with notes of honeysuckle, vanilla, and lychee. The Petit Manseng grape is a French varietal that we planted back in 2017. Its name comes from the small thick skinned berries that also make the grape well suited to grow in our disease-prone climate. As such, it is commonly grown in Virginia and is gaining popularity in North Carolina.
Petit Manseng is a late ripening grape that usually hangs until late September. Its versatility allows us to use the wine in several different styles - as a standalone varietal, a blending component, and even a dessert wine. Check it out at the link below!
PS…we have just bottled two exciting new wines at Windsor Run which we will be releasing on Labor Day weekend. Keep your eyes open for something special!!