Welcome to the Bridge - Monthly Newsletter of Grand Island Vineyards

Two Grand Island Vineyards Clubs to Choose From!

Consider joining our Salman Family Reserve and/or GIV Wine Family Wine Club(s) and get great discounts on wines and cases, events, merch and pretty much anything else that would make sense. Join us for pickup party celebrations or have it shipped directly to your front door. Get more info, see pricing or sign up!

Wine Spotlight - The 2021 GIV Vin Gris

Written by Winemaker, David Shattuck

We are pleased to be releasing one of our favorite summer wines, the 2021 Grand Island Vineyards Vin Gris of Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine is made using the rows of cabernet directly out the front door of the winery and makes a very nice Rose because the oak trees provide extra shade for these grapes. 

These grapes come into the winery with higher levels of acidity and lower sugar levels which makes them well suited for this style of Rose. I recommend drinking this wine well chilled on hot afternoons or pairing it with fresh summer dishes like tomato bruschetta, snapper crudo, or grilled halibut.

The wine pours a stunning soft pink hue. The initial aromas are of currant, oyster shell, cedar, and mandarin zest. As the wine opens, ripe notes of strawberry and watermelon intermingle with a hint of herb de provence. This wine is pleasingly acidic with juicy mouthfeel and a hint of grip. The finish is long with candied orange peel and a hint of ginger root. 

Great Summer Events Start This Weekend!

Written by Tasting Room Manager, Tess Jonson

Besides all the great wines we are releasing and have available for tasting or purchase, we have some great live music events coming up!

Sipping @ Sunset this Friday, June 3rd from 6-9pm with Hannah Brooks. Pick up a pizza or bring a picnic and kick off your weekend the right way, the GIV way. Good wine, good music and good company!

You can finish off your weekend with us too! We are welcoming back Groovy Judy on Sunday, June 5th from 1-4pm and releasing our 2021 Vin Gris. Have your dancing shoes on for this Hendrix inspired funck-rock with a positive groove. Make your reservations today!!

Last concert of the month is a big one! Rock, Reggae and Wine on the Delta. Join us June 18th from 6-9pm and jam out with Island of Black and White who are a fusion of rock, funk, blues, folk and reggae. They deliver high energy performances, playing a variety of music including covers and originals. You do not want to miss this experience! Buy your tickets now. 

See all of our Upcoming Events or Tours and Tastings at GrandIslandVineyards.com



Meet Shannon Nelson, Tasting Room Ambassador

Not everyone can say they've known the Salman family seeming from the beginning of time. As a 5th generation Delta farm owner and neighbor of the Salman's, Shannon has vast experience growing grapes, pears and cherries, as well as a fondness for everything Delta, especially agriculture, wine and the Salman family.

She has been a wine club member since 2016 and has even known Tess for over 20 years. A year ahead of Joe in school, she remembers Cyn from the secretary days at elementary school here on Sutter Island and as a reliable bunco partner to the family.

Shannon has been a wine Tasting Room Ambassador since May 2021 and prefers the Bridgehead Bubbles for brunch, the Cabernet Franc in a fireplace setting and White wines/Rosé

for some summertime fun! Beyond GIV wines, she really likes the Berghold Winery out of Lodi.

Known as an animal lover and rescuer, Shannon has past experiences working as a vet tech, a wedding coordinator for Grand Island Mansion and doing HR for Marriott Hotels. She was educated here in the area from Sac City Community College and Elite Academy Cosmetology and just loves everything Delta, beyond those times when she fondly remembers Santa Cruz. You're always welcome to come and meet Shannon, to share some wine and get to know another great person who we are proud to call a friend. 

Peas and BBs... BBs and, Um, Peas!

Written by Operations Manager, Joe Salman

Peas and BBs? What am I talking about here...?

The answer, of course, is grapes! 

They are HERE!!! And available in various sizes, from pea size for Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and we see BB sized for things like Petite Sirah and Cabernet Franc. 

As mentioned in the last newsletter, bloom was happening and those flowers turned into fruit. Besides a couple of small locations out in the vineyards, the fruit set (the flower producing a berry) looks pretty good, and we have good counts of grape clusters.

The vineyard is now at a point where the berries start expanding rapidly and keeping a watchful eye on irrigations and nutrients are very important. The bulking (or weight per cluster) is the multiplying factor in determining your crop load, and we don't want to over bulk the berries to keep wine quality at a high level.

When you are here at the winery, I encourage you to peak your head into the vineyards. We have various variety/blocks here at Grand Island Vineyards to see all what I am writing about.

Enjoy the grapes, enjoy the wines, enjoy the views, enjoy life.

Two Great Wine Discounts for June 2022!

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