More grapes?

Ohh, the excitement of sourcing grapes! We have been looking for a few more pounds of Zinfandel. Our first shipment was a little short of our initial goal, so we are looking to supplement. Today we saw a new listing. This time from Dry Creek. Dry Creek isn't half bad as far as Zinfandel regions go. In fact, it's probably one of the very best known. If we are going to get zin from Dry Creek, we might as well get more and make two distinct wines.

A winery proclaimed they have more than they need, so they want to sell the rest. Perfect! We contact the winery. They return our inquiry with a very positive message, indicating a price when picked into large containers. However, the contact is also saying our best bet is to contact the vineyard. Apparently the winery has contracted with a vineyard, and now the winery decides it doesn't need quite as much as they have contracted. At least that is how we read the situation. Next is to contact the vineyard - the answering machine says something about a concrete company - no mention of grapes. When the owner returns the call, he just refers to the vineyard management company. I guess his heart is in concrete after all. That's exciting, though It still sounds possible! The only remaining questions now are:

• Is it going to happen?
• If there is a chance, what are the conditions of the grapes (most Zin has been harvested)
• Will it happen tomorrow?
• If not tomorrow, when?
• How much will it cost?

But for hobby winemakers, these are odds we can live with. Stay tuned.

...

By late Friday it was clear this deal fizzled out.