February 2014 newsletter

	Perennial Vintners	In this issue:
		▪ Schedule - open this weekend!
		▪ New Islatage release this weekend!
		▪ Chocolatier Keith Jackson this weekend!
Newsletter -- Feb-2014		▪ Seattle sales and new outlets
(Click here to view in HTML on website)		▪ Helper & Intern opportunities
http://www.PerennialVintners.com/		▪ Unused empty wine bottles for hobbyists

(Click on any image below to go to website with more information/larger image/etc.)

▪ Schedule - open this weekend!
The WABI member wineries (all BI wineries) are open this weekend, Sat-Sun (15,16-Feb) for Valentines Day weekend. I know I'm biased, but even in February, I can't think of a more romantic place to visit than a vineyard! Take your sweety out for a wine tasting this weekend!

And remember that PV IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC MOST EVERY WEEKEND. Each month there is a special event where all the wineries are open, including PV - this coming weekend is one of those. Most any other day Mike can open the winery on just a few minutes notice by phone/txt 206-200-5902. And again, most every weekend we're open to the public.

▪ New Islatage release this weekend

We'll be pouring our new Islatage, a blend of estate grown wines from 2012 - Madeleine Angevine, Mueller Thurgau and Siegerrebe.

Note also that we're nearly out of the 2011 Frambelle. The 2012 is ready to go, so there's no panic that there won't be more, but the 2011 is the last bottling in the unique square bottle...

▪ Chocolatier Keith Jackson this weekend

Some of you will have had the pleasure of tasting our Frambelle Chocolate truffles made by Yukon Jackson's with our raspberry dessert wine and you can attest - they are delicious! Keith Jackson, the chocolate maker will be joining us for the afternoon on Sat. Keith is quite a character, you'll want to meet him - be sure to visit and taste free samples of his fabulous chocolates!

▪ Seattle sales and new outlets

We'll be making a big push to get new outlets on the mainland (Seattle, north to perhaps Edmonds, south to maybe Tacoma, east to Bellevue, Redmond). If you have a favorite wine shop, or grocery store where you think PV wines might be a good choice, please reply to this email and let me know.

And please welcome our newest outlet, Suzanne Maurice Wine Bar at Lynwood Center on Bainbridge Island. I had the pleasure of sharing a glass there with a friend and a platter of the exquisite Humboldt Fog cheese with Salumi meats. Lovely place with a well-thought-out selection of wines and appetizers.

▪ Helper & Intern opportunities

In about a month we'll be doing some bottling. If this sounds fun, or at least interesting, be sure to sign up on our helpers email list for announcements about scheduling.

We're about 40% through pruning -- if you would like to understand grape growing, this is the most critical task. It's just as important in your backyard as in a giant vineyard. Please consider spending an afternoon with me some time in the next 4 weeks.

PV has offered an informal intern program since 2008. There is no charge, and no formal coursework. All you need to do is to commit to spending roughly one afternoon per month with me at the vineyard and winery. There is something that needs to be done every month from March through November. I've had several students from the South Seattle Comm. Coll. viticulture and oenology programs, and they all expressed how they had learned a great deal from me. If interested, please reply to this email, and do it soon. You need to start by Mar to get all the lessons.

▪ Unused empty wine bottles for hobbyists

Yes, we're still trying to get rid of dozens of cases of unused wine bottles at about half bulk price. Many different shapes and colors, please reply to this email and let me know roughly how many of which styles you'd like.