Season’s greetings from the majestic heart of the Russian River Valley. As I sit down to write this, December has settled into wine country, the air is cool and crisp, and the vines have lost their leaves as they enter a state of dormancy for the long winter ahead. During this somewhat quieter time of year in the vineyards, our main goal is to ensure that our soils are healthy and replenished come spring, when the promise of a new vintage will begin to take shape. In practical terms, this means that we are seeding the ground with cover crops that will work to build nutrient health in the soils. We are also laying down compost and mulch to thank the vines for all of their hard work over the past year.

In the winery, all of our 2022 wines have been in barrel for a few months, with most just finishing up their secondary malolactic fermentation. In the days and weeks ahead, our team will taste through every single lot of 2022 wine, making notes and trading observations, as we begin to consider which lots will go where. As is always the case, the first wines we produce from the 2022 vintage will be our alluring MacRostie Rosé of Pinot Noir and our tantalizing Clockwise Sauvignon Blanc. We are currently finalizing the blends for both, and my early sense is that they will be quite special, with sleek structures, alluring aromas, and bright, soaring flavors.

While there is always plenty of work to be done at a winery, like you, we are also getting excited for the holidays ahead. The mood is jovial and everyone is in high spirits as we think about which wines we’ll bring home to pour at festive gatherings with family and friends. Bringing our wines to parties and holiday dinners is one of my favorite things about being a winemaker. It also serves as a delightful reminder of why we make wine, and its ability to bring joy. There are several wines that I already know I’ll be sharing over the holidays, including our debut 2020 Nightwing Vineyard Chardonnay, which is just spectacular! I’ll also be popping the corks on at least a few bottles of our radiant 2019 Sparkling Brut, because who doesn’t love bubbles over the holidays? For the red wine lovers in my life, I’ll be bringing our stunning 2019 The Loch Pinot Noir, our lavish and alluring 2019 Gap’s Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, along with the epic 2020 Clockwise Cabernet Sauvignon from Yountville in Napa Valley.

Whatever MacRostie wines you choose to pour this holiday season, I hope that they make your festive gatherings merry and bright!

Happy holidays!

HEIDI BRIDENHAGEN
Winemaker – MacRostie Winery and Vineyards