Got the call: California grapes should be coming

[jswordy]

Got the call this afternoon from a small grocer here I am working with. California grapes should be here in a couple weeks or so. I used a small local grocer because that's how my grandpa used to order his grapes. I ordered the types and proportions my uncle told me that my grandpa used. Getting ready on this run to do things his way now, just not as big a batch. It's hard to explain how this feels, but it feels good.

 

[robie]

Hey Jim, isn't it a bit early in the year (or late in the year??) for Cali grapes? From where will these grapes originate?

 

[jswordy]

You know, I thought that too but "a couple weeks" could mean a month or more. I was thinking July would be about right. Shrug.

Of course I readily admit I have no idea what I'm doing on the Cali grapes, since I don't do that stuff, I make wine from local produce. He's supposed to call me back and finalize later on when he gets more info.

They are coming from a big produce supplier, so I am thinking "a couple weeks" is his pretty generic term for "in the future." Still, if they are too soon, they'll likely be Chilean, and since I am getting them in the lugs, it should say so right on 'em. Since no money has changed hands, I'll reject those.

 

[ibglowin]

Last time I checked grapes ripened in October in California!

 

[robie]

The Chilean grapes can be quite good, depending on how fresh they are.

 

[mmadmikes1]

O-Ya Cali grapes are in October. Weather is just sucking royal here by then and it is a nice drive

 

[jswordy]

Thanks ibglowin. Shrug, I didn't care about when Left Coast grapes ripened until I recently found out my grandpa used them. Robie, I want to get the California grapes to duplicate my grandpa's winemaking. No problem to wait, as I have all carboys full now and several juices waiting, as well as our peach, blueberry and muscadine grape seasons coming up later on. Just put 25 gallons of local strawberry into secondary last night.

I'll call the guy and make sure we're on the same page.