Lisa Pavageau’s Blog

Well summer is blowing by and I have nothing to show for it.  Well of course that is not true.  I just returned home from the Sun Valley Wine Auction which was a blast!  Lots of great people, both consumers and vintners.  It is incredible to see the generosity of those that attend these events.  I just want to say the Stewart Pinot Noir was a grand hit, as well as Scarecrow and Harris Estate Treva’s Cabernet, followed by Sullivan’s Coeur de Vigne and O’Shaughnessy’s 2004 Cabernet.

While I was away, (only for 4 days) my vine friends were quite active.  I was on the phone with a friend yesterday who was inquiring what was happening in Napa. At that very moment I looked out into the vineyard and to my surprise, the vines closest to my office, were in full blown veraison.  More interestingly, was that when I looked beyond the first four or five vines, the grapes were only about 20% into veraison.  Interesting!!!

The fruit matures at it’s own pace with the influence of so many factors that Mother Natures provides as well as the tender loving care of our vineyard workers.  The vines closest to my office, border an asphalt driveway that allows radiant heat to accelerate the maturity of the fruit.  Where as the vines further in the vineyard only have the soil beneath that does not reflect the heat as much.  Therefore those vines will take longer to reach the brix level that the winemaker is trying to achieve for the harvest.  That is why most winemakers today will pick by row, not by block or by vineyard.  Picking only the fruit at its optimal ripeness assures quality wine.

Ciao for Now!

Lisa Pavageau

Though I don’t participate in the complete line up of the Napa Valley Wine Auction, I do enjoy feeling the buzz and excitement that this week brings to the Valley.  I will complain about the traffic and the inability to get a reservation at my favorite restaurant, but in the end the reward is bestowed back upon Napa Valley and all of Napa County.

The auction lots are far reaching with travel, parties, dinners, tours…and oh did I mentions wine, and LOTS of it.  No pun intended with “lots”, but yes there is a lot of wine to bid on and a lot of wine to taste and enjoy. 

When the final paddle is raised and the last gavel lands, all of the money raised goes to local organizations that assist this community like no other.  I sat and heard testimonies of those that have benefited from the monies raise and it brought tears to my eyes.

Thanks to all of the sponsors, donors and volunteers that make this magical and exciting week happen and thanks to all of the consumers in the world that continue to enjoy and promote Napa Valley wines.

Ciao for now!

Lisa Pavageau

For those that live here, we see the vines daily and forget how much care goes into tending to the soldiers of our livelihood.  I watched today, the vineyard crew going through the rows elegantly and efficiently aligning every shoot on each vine.  This allows air to flow freely and to maximize sun absorption.  I’m sure that it aids the vine in other aspects as well.

My point is that living in Napa Valley, I often forget just how much care goes into each vine to maximize the quality of the fruit and how much work it takes for a vine to produce superior fruit.  Those of you that don’t live here, you have no clue.

As I left work tonight, I said a little “thank you” to my vine friends for all of their hard work in producing the best fruit possible and putting joy in lives of those that love to drink wine.

Ciao for now!

Lisa Pavageau

Well I haven’t posted to my blog in quite a while and I truly have no excuse.  I was sick for several months, but that doesn’t mean that I couldn’t type.  Maybe it was that I couldn’t think clearly or taste properly that I just didn’t have much to write.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I’m off on an adventure.  I’m leaving tomorrow on vacation to visit Argentina.  I just can’t wait!  I will be visiting Mendoza to tour the wine country.  It just so happens a Napa Valley winemaker friend (no names please) will be down there consulting at the exact same time.  We hope to meet up and it should be lots of funs.  I’ll let you know all about it when I return.

Ciao for now!

Lisa Pavageau

There are many things in life that we hate to admit.  The one that I’m going to say out loud is… I have a California palate.  Yes, I admit it.  After all the years I know that my taste buds are not discerning enough for the beautiful wine wonders of the world. 

No it is not a bad thing, but it’s just very difficult to admit.  I find myself not drinking as many French, Italian or Austrian wines like I use to in days gone by.  I live in the backyard of some of the most famous California Cabernets and that’s what is readily available to me. Young, big, fruit bombs that I have come to love and enjoy.