Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard and Winery are actively preparing our soil to receive our grapes. We have approximately 6 acres of our property plowed and four feet deep. This is necessary so that the root structure of the new grape plants can successfully penetrate the soil to obtain excellent minerality and moisture from deep within the soil.
A local company spread a mixture of minerals in the form of compost to the soil so that over the winter all the minerals can integrate into the soil. Come spring time, we will be ready to plant our grapes. We plan on planting Temprenillo, Cabernet, Merlot, and a couple of other varieties for a total of 6 acres.
Once our compost is in the ground we will be setting up our vineyard blocks with rows of posts and over the winter we will plant a cover crop of a blend of Oats and Rye. In the spring this will be tilled into the soil to give it even more nutrition. After our vineyard posts are placed we will be installing irrigation pipes so that as the vineyard is planted we will have everything in place read for spring planting.
On the winery end of things we are still focusing on the fine details of what we want the final structure to look like. As we get closer to the final details we will share some photos with you.
As plans continue to evolve, the Castillos can envision a place for family and business clientele to enjoy for weddings, and for their eventual home on the rolling hills. The dream of sharing a glass of their own wine with the fellowship of friends, regarding the Blue Mountains, the Walla Walla River, and the immense starry nights is what draws them over the mountain of work yet to be done.
The future for Feliciana Vineyard is bright, as wine tourism in Washington state has sprung into one of the most vibrant new elements in the state economy. Sam and Deborah see one day producing a modest 5,000-7,000 cases of wine annually, and are hoping for the official launch in September 2009.
Sam and Deborah Castillo
Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard and Winery.
Journal entry from February 12, 2010
One Happy Camper
I must say I am in a pretty good mood. It has always been my practice to write newsletters with a nice bottle of wine. This time it is the 07 Tempranillo. I feel rested and relaxed after my vacation to Brazil. I know what you are thinking, how nice Brazil, and you would be correct. My wife and daughter stayed down for a few extra weeks with family. So I am also pleased to have them home. My daughter changes so quickly at this age. If I blink I miss so much.
It is the same with our wines. That is why I am happy after visiting our barrel room earlier this afternoon. The wines are blossoming and becoming beautifully complex. If you would like to catch up with our wines there are plenty of exciting events coming up over the next few months.
Upcoming Events
with Castillo de Feliciana Winery
March 4th
Looney's Harvest Foods, in Walla Walla. Looney's puts out a huge spread, compliments of their deli department, paired with some of our finest wines. 3:30-6:30
March 6th
Sip of Snoqualmie, at the new Snoqualmie Casino. Gourmet appetizers paired with Northwest wines. Information/ticket sales at encompassnw.org or snocasino.com
March 18th
Picnic, Our friends Jenny and Anson will be featuring our wines with their amazing array of appetizers made with local seasonal ingredients. Think globally drink and eat locally! Contact info: 6801 Greenwood Ave North - Seattle, Washington - 98103. (206)453.5867 or info@picnicseattle.com
March 28th
Taste Washington, Over 200 Washington wineries with 75 area restaurants team up for the tasting event of the year at Quest Field Event Center. Tickets on sale now through TicketMaster!
April 30th
Castillo De Feliciana Winemaker's Dinner. Yes the winemaker will be making dinner, for those early birds who make it into town on Friday. We will feast on Paella, no one will go hungry!!! More Details coming soon. If you are interested email me at ryan@castillodefeliciana.com
May 1st and 2nd
Spring Release Weekend, Try our new releases paired with cheese and salami from Salumiere Cesario plus our incredible chorizo sausage marinated in our Miercoles red wine.
May 22nd
Hellam's Vineyard, I will be pouring our latest releases at my friend Jeff Hellam's wine shop in La Conner. In the Historic Limedock Building 109 North 1st St. #101 - La Conner, WA 98257, phone 360-466-1758
Hope to see everyone soon!
Cheers,
Ryan Raber, Winemaker
Castillo de Feliciana Vineyard and Winery
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