Editorial Notes
Hi and Happy New Year to all of our valued customers and fans. After a hectic Christmas period here in North Carolina we have turned our attentions to the new year and in particular, preparations for spring and new releases of some of our wines.
Our new showroom and warehouse premises in High Point is now fully open for business and we are accepting visits by appointment only, from fans and clients. The building represents our South African and French heritage and housing tasting spaces for our wines plus our partner's J.De Telmont Champagnes.
I'm pleased to announce some wine dinners and tasting events during the month of February, which are listed below. Our coastal agent Jerry has been working hard bringing on board new retailers and restaurants in Wilmington, New Bern and surrounding towns. For a full up to date list check our website (click the link above).
Among others in the Wilmington area I am pleased to welcome back Taste The Olive, under new ownership and The Sour Barn. Jerry will be holding tasting events at both of these venues in February.
PUBLIC TASTING APPEARANCES
Myself and Jerry will be conducting public events featuring our wines at the following venues in the remainder of February. I'll be conducting all inland tastings and Jerry will cover all on the coast.
FEBRUARY EVENTS
Feb 8th, The Sour Barn, tasting with Vittles Food Truck and live music, Wilmington NC
Feb 9th, Wine Dinner, at Downtown Mebane Table, Mebane NC. For tickets call 919-568-8211
Feb 11th, Wine Dinner, at The Undercurrent Restaurant, Greensboro NC. Almost sold out, for tickets call 336-370-1266
Feb 12th, Taste the Olive, wine tasting with Valentines theme, Wilmington NC
Feb 15th, Emerywood Country Club, Talk (private event), High Point NC
Feb 24th, Cravin' Wine, Wine tasting with Food truck and Music, New Bern NC
Feb 24th, Breathe Wine Bar, Wine pairing event, Kernersville NC
These events support some talented local businesses and offer a great way to get to know how we make our wines, learn about our storied history as a winery in South Africa, and enjoy some wonderfully crafted food pairings. More events may be added so please be sure to check our Facebook page (Ricketybridgewineryusa)
CELLAR NOTES...South Africa
2017 HARVEST
Our harvest in South Africa starts typically towards the end of January and runs for the next few weeks. Cellar Master Wynand Grobler began picking in earnest on January 23rd and the first grapes (pictured right) harvested were 4 tons of Chardonnay, specifically for use in our limited edition Blanc de Blancs sparkling wines. Expect some of this year's 2017 harvest to be on the shelves later this year here in North Carolina!
CELLAR NOTES...France
In January I visited our Champagne House partners J.De Telmont to discuss business of course, and to see for myself the latest techniques being employed at the winery, which include bio-dynamic farming practices. It sounds scientific but in reality it is going back to 'old world' farming and letting mother nature do the work.
The images posted here show a block of Chardonnay where rows of vines have clover planted in between them, to enrich the soil. The other image shows you what the Marne valley looks like this time of year.. some light dusting of snow (this is in the Fleur Valley) with protection from trees. The grape varietal here is Pinot Meunier.