Grapes and Supplies 2011
One of the main purposes of the Nanaimo Winemakers is to assist members in getting the grapes and supplies they need to make top-quality wine. In 2011 the club will not be getting grapes directly from Santa Barbara and the Central Coast as it did in 2008 and 2010. However, club members still have a number of good opportunities available.
Gewürztraminer from Summerland
The Club will get Gewürztraminer grapes from Summerland as it has regularly for many years. These grapes have consistently been very good in quality and many members have made award winning wines from these grapes. The total club order typically comes to two tons or more. The grapes arrive fresh, typically in late October, and people gather for the crush, using the club's crusher-destemmer and press—this is normally one of the highlights of the fall season.
Duane Lukyn and John Taylor are arranging this order. Grapes will be about $1.40 per lbs and you must put down a 50% deposit with your order. Contact Duane for more information. Download the 2011 order form (pdf).
Red grapes from Washington and Oregon
In recognition of our club's efforts in recent years to share grapes from Californian with other clubs, the people getting grapes from Washington for the Saanich Sommeliers have agreed to let us participate in their purchases this year. We are fortunate to have this opportunity. John Taylor has compiled the following information. (Once it is known who in the club is ordering these grapes, it is usually possible to work out cooperative arrangements to attend the crush in Victoria and return with the grapes to Nanaimo.)
Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon (through Peter Howe)
Peter Howe has been procuring grapes since 2001 from Bangsund Vineyards at The Dalles, Oregon, and has been very pleased with the product. This fall, he is hoping to source Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Pinot Noir from this vineyard. Due to other contractual arrangements, the vineyard can supply Peter no more than one ton of each variety. Currently there are at least a few hundred pounds of each variety still available, on a first-come, first serve basis. Peter estimates that these grapes will likely also cost about $1.75/lb. FOB Victoria. If you are interested in ordering any of these varieties, contact Peter Howe directly at (250) 743-5981, or at pjhowe@shaw.ca.
Merlot and Cabernet Franc (through Ken Stepushyn)
Ken Stepushyn has invited our club members to participate in his procurement of Merlot and Cab Franc from the Walla Walla area. We know that there are some very good grapes being produced in this region, and these varieties from this vineyard are among them. This is a great opportunity to make some wine from this area, and hopefully add some exciting new flavour profiles to our wine cellars. If you wish to order these varieties, Ken asks that you contact him directly at (250) 477-6176, or at kstepushyn@shaw.ca. He needs your order (and a deposit) by July 1st. Based on previous years, Ken estimates that these grapes will come in at somewhere around $1.75/lb, landed in Victoria.
Central Valley grapes
Franco Sartor, a club member, also coordinates grape purchases for the Italian community and others in Nanaimo. These grapes come fresh and arrive relatively early in the fall. The Central Valley is the largest grape growing area in California. The Valley is known more for quantity than quality, but these grapes can make pleasant early-drinking wines. And they are the most economical choice available. The grapes come in 36 pound lugs at $25 - $40 a lug. Juices are also available in 23L pails. Franco poured examples of a number of these wines at the June club meeting. There are many varieties available. Contact Franco for orders: fsartor34@gmail.com
Grapes from Pacific Breeze
Frank Gregus runs Grape Pacific Supplies (GPS) as a service to home winemakers. GPS is an adjunct of Pacific Breeze winery in New Westminster and GPS offers home winemakers the same grapes as Pacific Breeze uses itself. These are generally top-notch grapes from coastal California and Oregon. The grapes arrive in New Westminster, so you have to figure that into your price, but these grapes are good value for the price (around $2 per pound). Many varieties are available, including Carneros Chardonnay and Oregon Pinot Gris. Download the 2011 order form here (pdf).
Other Grape Sources
- Brehm Vineyards(and Bosa Grapes)
- RJ Spagnols
Peter Brehm (the man behind Brehm Vineyards) sources a wide variety of premium red grapes and white juices from Napa, Sonoma, and Washington, freezes them, and ships them across North America. On average, these are the best grapes available to home winemakers. And they have prices that reflect this. However, if you want to make the equivalent of a $75 Napa Cab Sauv, this is the way to go. In BC, the principle dealer for Brehm Vineyards is Bosa Grapes. The grapes arrive frozen in October and you will have to make arrangements to get them from the Mainland. Here are the links: Brehm Vineyards and Bosagrape. Note that Bosagrape also sells fresh juices from Italy and California.
Spagnols is the oldest source for home winemakers in BC. Located on Annacis Island it is now owned by Vincor and is more widely known as a source of kit wines. But for BC home winemakers, it still provides fresh grapes of several standards. It has the typical Central Valley grapes (see next entry), but it has also carries a full line of Lodi/Woodbridge grapes. These are a step up from Central Valley grapes. They come in 36 lb lugs. Spagnols also carries a more limited of range of grapes from Washington. These are another step up in quality. Small groups in the Club often used to purchase these grapes and have them shipped here to crush. This happens less often now, although some people still prefer Spagnols for Lodi Zinfandel or Washington Lemberger. To find out about Spagnols grapes, you need to get on their mailing list. Phone: 604-524-9463. You order by phone in August. Crushing and freezing arrangements are available.