Benovia Winery Archives - Wine Country Getaways

Veraison Pinot Noir Grapes

July 26, 2016 by Joe Becerra

Pinot Noir grapes undergoing veraison – beautiful work of nature

Veraison Pinot Noir Grapes in the Russian River Valley

Nearing the end of July in a normal climate year, veraison is underway in the vineyards of Northern and Central California. Veraison is a French term and means the onset of ripening. Veraison is an important event in the growing season of a vineyard. Excitement reigns among vineyard growers and managers. Veraison signals the anticipation of harvest in about one month’s time. Our Wine Country Photo of the Day shows a cluster of Pinot Noir grapes in the Russian River Valley. The photo was shot at the Benovia Winery.

Vineyard workers

July 29, 2014 by Joe Becerra

Thinning leaves at Benovia Vineyards in the Russian River Valley

Vineyard Workers in action

These vineyard workers are indispensable throughout the growing season. In this photo, these workers are thinning the leaves among the Pinot Noir vines at the Benovia Winery in the Russian River Valley. By all accounts these vineyard workers will soon be harvesting grapes. Before harvest approaches, pruning is required several times, depending upon vineyard management decisions. Shoots and leaves are cut, causing the vine to spend more energy to grow fruit. Often times grape clusters are dropped, leaving fewer clusters on the vine. This gives the berries on the cluster more intense flavor at harvest time. By all accounts, this year’s harvest is well ahead of the normal. Some vineyard managers tell us two weeks ahead, but in some areas they say even more than that. On Wednesday, July 30, Mumm in the Napa Valley will begin harvesting grapes for their sparkling wine. When harvest occurs, there will be a flurry of activity during the early morning hours until around 9 or 10 a.m. Grapes must be picked during the coolest part of the day. Look for more reports on this blog on the harvest in the next few weeks.

More about the Russian River Valley

Russian River Valley Wine Map
Santa Rosa Lodging

Benovia Winery Pinot Noir and Photography

August 17, 2010 by Joe Becerra

How often does a winery sponsor a photography class? I don’t recall any winery offering this type of class or experience. Benovia Winery located in the Russian River Valley AVA just might be the only winery ever to venture into this territory. The class was a great treat for the 32 wine and photo buffs who participated in one of two daylong sessions this past Saturday and Sunday. The attendees were instructed by Con Keyes, a long-time and now retired photographer with the L.A. Times. In addition, Bob Mosby, Benovia’s General Manager, and Tucker Catlin, vineyard developer, were present to lead us around the winery and give us insights into winery operations. The winery even went as far as bringing in some vineyard staff to work the vines, drop late-developing fruit and do some shoot thinning. They were instructed to work slowly so we could capture the “moment”with our digital cameras.