2011 Staff Vineyard Tours

The Fidelitas crew got a special treat at the beginning of the summer. We shut down the tasting room (a rare occasion) and set out on our very own vineyard tours! Not only was this great education for our staff but we had a blast too. Here is a quick itinerary of our day and some of what we learned.

First Stop: Boushey Vineyards, Yakima Valley
Our first stop was Boushey Vineyards which is located at the base of the Rattlesnake Hills. We got a personal tour from Dick Boushey himself! Here we learned a lot about trellising techniques used for different types of varietals and sites. Our first stop was a Sangiovese vineyard. Dick explained that Sangiovese was a very “finicky” grape that was easy to get out of control. He uses a cordon trellis system which pulls all of the vines upwards using wires to allow for more control over the fruit, and easier picking. He also might have more or less wires on either side depending on which gets the afternoon sun, this side will tend to grow more vigorously and needs to be controlled.

Cordon Trellis

(Clockwise from top left) Cordon Trellis - Sangiovese vineyard, tags used to mark the varietals (clones and trellis system), grower Dick Boushey, baby sangiovese grapes

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We also saw a few other kinds of trellising techniques, such as Smart Dyson. This technique looks something like the picture and diagram below. This is a very labor intensive technique, but some of the winemakers in Washington prefer it for Syrah grapes as it gives a nice balance between foliage and cluster quantities.

Smart-Dyson Trellis

(Clockwise from top left) the Fidelitas Crew at one of Boushey Vineyard's sites, Syrah tag, Syrah vines showing the smart dyson technique,  Charlie listening to Dick Boushey explain the trellising techniques

Second Stop: Garcia’s, Sunnyside, Washington
Lunch stop, enjoyed some yummy tacos on their outside terrace!

Third Stop: French Creek Vineyards, Yakima Valley
Here we met with vineyard manager Damon LaLonde to look at some of Washington’s premiere old vine Chardonnay planted more than 30 years ago. We also got a chance to see some newly planted vines. They don’t look like much now with all of those grow tubes on them, but with a little heat they will shoot up in no time. You may have remembered my explanation of grow tubes from last time, but if not, the tubes help to let in just the right amount of UV rays to help the plants grow quickly without harming their delicate foliage.

(Clockwise from left) a newly planted vineyard at French Creek, young chardonnay vines in a grow tube, old-vine chardonnay grapes at French Creek Vineyards

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Fourth Stop: Scooteney Flats and Red Heaven Vineyards, Red Mountain
We met up with Damon again to get tours of Scooteney Flats and Red Heaven. Scooteney Vineyard is right along Sunset Road, you pass it every time you visit Fidelitas! It is a 40-acre vineyards named after the kind of white chalky rocks found in this low area.
Our final stop was at Red Heaven Vineyards near the top of Red Mountain above Hedges Vineyards. If you ever get the chance to walk up here, do it, what a beautiful sight!

(clockwise from left) Damon LaLonde, giving us a tour of Red Heaven Vineyard, Red Heaven Vineyard, the view from the deck of Col Solare,

Last Stop: Fidelitas Vineyards, Red Mountain
We didn’t actually talk about any vines at this point, but we enjoyed a wonderful potluck dinner and some fabulous wines as we watched the sun set, what a great day, thanks Charlie!

See you next time,

Kalen Holden-Boushey

Wine Consultant + Wine Club Correspondent