2019 Summer Solstice News

Summer Solstice 2019

I murmur under moon and stars
   In brambly wildernesses;
I linger by my shingly bars;
   I loiter round my cresses;

And out again I curve and flow
   To join the brimming river,
For men may come and men may go,
   But I go on for ever.

From ‘The Brook’, by Alfred Lord Tennyson

On a brilliant summer day such as it is today on Howell Mountain, it is difficult not to slip into a moment of deep reflection. Nature has a powerful effect; it is particularly astute at reminding us of our diminutive stature in its presence, yet unerringly energizing as well! And so we eagerly bound into the season ahead, pledging all our efforts to the vines we adore. Here at ADAMVS, this bond with Nature is not only a lifetime commitment, but also a pledge to our grandchildren, and beyond. We are grateful to everyone who enjoys our wines and is instantly a part of the continuum that we hope will stretch hundreds of years into the future. On warm summer days, it is easy to be this hopeful.

With warm weather upon us everything seems to have grown and flowered overnight, and we are busy planting trees and fodder for our bees. The fig trees are flowering (great news for this year’s fig jam!) and we’re adding peach, among other delicious stone fruit trees to the orchard beyond our babbling brook. The sheep will soon be shorn, Buttercup (our donkey) is particularly animated, and the chickens are busy laying multi-colored eggs.

Bud break finally arrived in mid-April, and was greeted by warm temperatures, much to our delight. There is a vibrancy to the vines which we attribute not only to the even temperatures, but to the hard work and years of biodynamic practices which make more and more of an impact with each passing season.

The beauty here at ADAMVS is meant to be shared, so please accept our invitation to visit the Estate should your travels take you to the Napa Valley in the coming months. There are always new delights to experience, and we are waiting to welcome you.