This week Travessia winery was accepted into the Coastal Wine Trail of Southeastern New England. This is very significant for us. The Coastal wine trail encompasses a group of wineries within the Southeastern New England AVA. The term AVA is short for American Viticultural Area and can only be used by a region that has been recognized by the federal government for a distinctive combination of soil, climate and topography. The idea is that these characteristics contribute to identifiable regional wine character. Some would call this terroir, though this French word is a beast of its own that I will tackle some other day.
Technicalities aside, I feel like we’ve just joined the big boys/girls. If one is serious about becoming a well-known wine grower in this region, being associated with this group of wineries is an absolute must. Some of the people who own and run these wineries are pioneers in the growing of wine grapes in New England. I’m very thankful that they’ve allowed me into their group.
My entrance into the trail was not a given from the start because one of the requirements is that members must be engaged in the growing of vinifera grapes within this AVA. As most of you know, I do not own my own vineyard. However, I explained that as part of my work at Running Brook Vineyards, I follow and often provide input into the growing of the grapes that end up as wine in my bottles. When buds break (God… can’t wait, when is this winter going to be over?!), I start walking the vineyard at Running Brook on a weekly basis to follow the growing cycle and monitor the vineyard’s progress. My involvement is even more direct as we get closer to harvest and picking decisions are made, with almost daily tasting and testing of the grapes for ripeness, sugar content and pH levels. So though I do not own a vineyard, I’m most certainly engaged in the growing of grapes here in Southeastern New England.
Soon I will explain how the trail works. For now, what I want you to know is that sometime in the Spring there will be a kick-off party for the 2009 wine trail at Sakonnet Vineyards in Little Compton, Rhode Island. The eight wineries in the trail will be at Sakonnet pouring their wines. I will tell you the exact date once we have one and yes… I want to see you all there.
Nice! Congratulations... and Happy Birthday.
Posted by: Nuno | February 27, 2009 at 09:35 AM
B&B - Congrats!!
Posted by: B & B | March 03, 2009 at 09:46 AM