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Winemakers Announce that Quality of Winegrapes this Year is VeryHigh; tonnage Harvested is 20 to 25 percent Above AverageAs grape growers harvest this season’s grape crop, dozens ofMendocino County wine leaders agree that the 2012 season isshaping up to be one of the best on record. A lack of rain late in theseason, combined with warm days, cool nights and an ideal growingseason have produced bountiful crops throughout this NorthernCalifornia wine region. Known as the “Greenest Wine Region inNorth America,” Mendocino County is home to 91 bonded wineriesand 343 vineyard entities.“It is a perfect season,” said Martha Barra, owner of Barra ofMendocino/Girasole Vineyards in Redwood Valley, Mendocino County.“For us, brix, total acids and pH are all in balance. So often we have toreally push things, but this year we have had no late rains. We wereable to wait for perfect maturity, and winemakers in our region arereally excited about making some incredible wines this year.”Barra’s 100% estate grown, hand-picked certified organic grapesinclude the legendarily delicate and sought after Pinot Noir. Barranoted that they will have their entire harvest from their vineyardscomplete by October 20th.In technical terms, winemakers use the term brix to measure thesugar content, and Barra is seeing measurements of 25 and above thisseason.“It is such an even keeled season,” said Zac Robinson, HuschVineyards in Philo. “This year it’s what we call a grower’s harvest.JAXON KEYS –Visit the Past, Present and FutureJaxon Keys honors the past as they shape the future. Originallybuilt in 1880, the beautifully restored historic Farmhouse TastingRoom is a visual reminder of Mendocino’s rich and storied past.The future lies with their estate-grown and produced wines thatgarner numerous awards, as well as receive high praise from satisfiedcustomers. Visit the Farmhouse Tasting Room and try gold medaland best of class winning 2010 Mae’s Block Zinfandel or the doublegold Peterson Cabernet Sauvignon among others.At Jaxon Keys, they have wine for everyone – Chardonnay,Sauvignon Blanc, Viognier, white and red blends, Grenache,Zinfandel, Primitivo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Petite Sirah,Meritage and more.Visit the historic 1250-acre estate during one of the many eventssuch as the Holiday Open House on December 8. Or, come by anytime and enjoy a leisurely wine tasting at the old Farmhouse. Then,feel free to hang out on the wrap-around porch and drink in theviews.Come and discover new territory! Plan a stay in the guesthouseand explore the Mendocino Coast or visit the ancient redwoods.Great wine, friendly people, natural beauty all around – what are youwaiting for? Mendocino is more than a place, it’s a state of mind.Jaxon Keys is located at 10400 South Hwy. 101 Hopland, CA95449, 1-877-462-0666, and is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.Sign up for our email newsletter at www.WineCountrythisWeek.comWiNE COuNtRY tHiS WEEK | MENdOCiNO/LAKE COuNtiES2012 Winegrape Harvest Slated To Be a Best in YearsWe’re seeing super clean fruit, higher yields, no heat spikes, no rainsand no surprises.”“We also operate a custom crush facility for growers throughoutMendocino, Napa and Sonoma Counties,” said Barra.”We are seeingthe Zinfandel coming in late from all regions, but, in MendocinoCounty, picking of all other varietals is falling right in line with theirusual maturity pattern.Expansive, diverse and off the beaten path, Mendocino is a ruralcounty of striking natural beauty, friendly small towns and peoplewho love and protect the land. Many farms are owned and cultivatedby multiple generations of the county’s historic farming families.Today Mendocino’s grapegrowers stand out as leaders insustainable/organic/Biodynamic ® farming.Winemakers highly regard the quality of fruit produced naturallyon unspoiled land by Mendocino’s passionate grapegrowers.Truly Historic,Truly Delightful,Truly HoplandOPEN DAILY 10-510400 South Hwy. 101 Hopland CA 95449(707) 462-6666 | (877) 462-066667