Jeff’s Letter From March 2026

Three weeks ago, I was plucking spent blossoms from the daffodils planted in the half barrels on the south side of the tasting room. The first flower appeared before the end of 2025 and it seemed like we were in full bloom by late January. My goal in planting the daffodils is to have some spring color for eight weeks. I specifically plant four varieties of the King Alfred style daffodil; varieties that bloom early, mid, and late season so the display will last. Mother nature always has the last laugh. This year the unseasonably warm weather has accelerated the bloom and the ‘silver lining’ for the rain and cold last week was that it may prolong the season for the national flower of Wales.

The storm also dumped plenty of snow in the Sierra, which when it melts feeds the aquifers that we tap into as our water source here at the winery. You won’t hear me complaining about precipitation. Bring it on.

Speaking of bringing it on, the March releases are just around the corner. The March selections have varieties fit for any weather we may have in the month of March. If the chill hangs on then the Cabernet, Sangiovese, and Lagrein should do well with the stews and braises that warm us when the sun doesn’t. If the sun blesses us, we have the Grenache from Three Way and Carignane from the Aparicio vineyard that will help usher in the spring faire and the first rounds on the grill.

Although it is not part of the wine club, the 2025 Rosé of Barbera is superb this year and will be a rewarding quaff to slake the thirst generated by prepping the garden.

– Jeff