At Captain Vineyards we grow Cabernet Franc It is one of our flag ship wines!! Read More About Cab Franc Traditionally treated as a supporting cast member to Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc is poised for a breakout role in California. Suddenly in vogue for its distinct aromas and ability to pair well with many foods, demand for this red grape variety from Bordeaux is so high that it’s more expensive than Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc in Napa County cost wineries an average of $9,300 per ton in 2021 — up from $4,200 in 2007 — compared to $8,000 a ton for Cabernet Sauvignon, according to the Department of Agriculture’s California Grape Crush Report. Kashy Khaledi, proprietor of Napa’s trendy Ashes &...
Captain Vineyards slow Aging Barrels Natural wine is widely debated. The problem is that natural wine, though a viticultural and winemaking practice for more than 70 years, has never been legislated. Its existence and practice are, therefore, based on a philosophy that each winegrower can interpret in their own way. For the consumer, there is no set standard that guarantees an intersection of the growing practices and conduct of the winemaker. There is no ethical promise of wine that will be consumed under the label “natural wine.” Most followers of the movement believe “natural wine” is a wine without synthetic chemicals or oenological inputs, made from organic grapes that are harvested by hand. This very broad definition does not contain...
Sasha Captain The past few years have been stressful, and we’ve all found different ways of coping. You may have picked up new habits — some that are healthy and some that aren’t as healthy. Maybe you’re taking daily walks. Binging more TV. Prioritizing time with family. Or having a few glasses of wine a night. Many people have an occasional glass of wine or alcoholic drink when spending time with friends or relaxing. But if you’re drinking more alcohol than you used to, you’re not alone. "The pandemic’s effect on alcohol use has been devastating," says Reham Attia, MD, an addiction medicine specialist at Kaiser Permanente. By the end of 2020, 39% of people were drinking more than recommended.1 Women...
Our 2022 vintage has gone through primary fermentation in Bins, All organic bi-product of the press is hauled into the Vineyard. Once the wine is liquid in tanks, the secondary fermentation begins, it takes about two to three weeks long. We racked the wine 3 times so far. The wine is ready to be gravity fed into barrels. We have acquired New French Oak of 5 x 500L & 3 x 225L barrels for the 2022 vintage. We prepare the barrels to receive the wine, Sasha Captain, age 4.5 Years, is helping, she spend many hours with Sal, making sure all the barrels are ready to receive the wine. Sasha is very proud of her excellent workman ship! The final...
Our 2022 vintage started early this year, due to the week of extreme heat that broke records in the area, due to our dry farming practice, our vines reacted extremally!! sugar level was up & a bit of shriveling. We had family, Finnish delegation, neighbors, friends, 4-H & club members, excited to learn & experience the joy of harvest. WE were done by 10:30 a.m., with both Pinot Noir & Cab Sav. 1200 Lbs. of Pinot Noir & 1300 Lbs. Pinot Noir 2022 Ava & Sofie Captain after harvest!! Second & Last harvest of 2022 On the 20th of September we harvested the rest of our crop. First time ever in 17 years we harvest Petite Sirah in September!! 3100...
