Click photo to hear the podcast. Clay's interview begins at 27:40.
Thanks so much to Mike Horn and Paul Stern who invited Clay Gantz, co-owner of Gantz Family Vineyards, onto their digital radio program, What’s Cookin' Today Show, on Monday, Oct. 5. Clay, as the 1st vice-president of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers, was invited to talk about the Russian River Valley and the end of harvest.
Some highlights discussed during the show:
- The growing philosophy at Gantz Family Vineyards:
Mike Horn: “So you literally know each vine like it’s a personal friend?”
Clay: “Absolutely.”
Mike Horn: “Do you walk them every day?”
Clay: “We visit them on a regular basis. Pinot Noir is a grape that rewards that kind of precision farming. …We spend a lot of time in the vineyard and I think we feel like we get to know our vines personally.”
- The end of harvest in the Russian River Valley:
Clay: “The yields are down probably 20-30 percent. The good news is that the grape quality at least at harvest seems to be beautiful. The wines are going to be terrific; there’s going to be fewer of them. So you better get out there and get them quick.”
- The Russian River Valley Winegrowers and the Neighborhood Initiative:
Clay: “The Russian River Valley is a very diverse area and we have started as a group to focus in on the various neighborhoods -- or the French would call 'terroir' -- within the Russian River Valley to hone in on the diversity we have here. … We’re a group of growers and winemakers and other people who are interested in the Russian River Valley, and our job is basically to promote the Russian River Valley as one of the premier spots in the world for growing cool-climate grapes.”
- An upcoming Russian River Valley Winegrowers event:
Clay: “We have what I think is a really terrific event on Wednesday, Nov. 4 in San Francisco. We’re having our Single Vineyard Night where there will be 35 Russian River Valley wineries pouring single-vineyard wines. So this will be an opportunity to experience first hand that diversity that I was talking about. …You can purchase your ticket for that online at RRVW.org.”
Mike said he’d like to have Clay back to talk about Single Vineyard Night before the event. “It’s good to talk to the farmers,” he said.
It was good to talk to you, too. Mike. Thanks so much.
Click here to listen to the podcast in its entirety. (Clay's interview starts at 27:40.)
Single Vineyard Night
November 4th, 5:30-8:30 pm, Golden Gate Club at the Presidio, San Francisco
Join Russian River Valley Winegrowers for an amazing tasting experience of Russian River Valley Single Vineyard wines. More than 30 winemakers and winegrowers will be pouring small-lot, single vineyard wines from the Russian River Valley, including premier Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc. Guests will also be treated to small bites from the Spinster Sisters, including chili rubbed flank steak with avocado salsa and madras curry chicken puffs among other delectable tastes, plus exquisite cheeses from Freestone Artisan Cheese. Click here more information and to buy tickets.