Understanding Harvest with Jan Palaggi of Palaia Vineyards Winery

Continuing with the harvest, Jan Palaggi of Palaia Vineyards Winery talks about what harvest means to her and the winery.

1. What does Harvest mean to you? 

It is a time of joy for me – after nursing all those vines for the entire spring and summer, pruning, tucking, spraying, tucking and more tucking, it is finally time to reap the rewards of all that work.  To see those clusters and taste the sunlight in the grapes while you pick them….it is pure joy.  

2. What are factors in knowing when is the right time to pick the grapes? 

After years of experimenting and reading about when to pick – it comes down to weather and signs of ripeness.  We test for sugar in the grapes, and if the seeds inside are browning, and if the skins are still firm or too firm or wrinkled from lack of water.  If you get too much water, you get watery wine, but if you have wrinkles…you get “Crimson Clove” which is our Holiday wine and has a slight raisin taste and is sweet and that is from not enough water.  If a hurricane is coming…pick the grapes.  I went thru 2 hurricanes and lost one entire crop, but saved the other.   

3. Once the grapes are picked, what is the process of getting it from vine to bottle? 

We drive thru the rows and dump the grapes into the larger one ton bins.  These get taken right to the winery where we get them all together.  Then we take our tractor with forks on it and strap a bin to it.  Drive up to the elevator that has a bin at the bottom and tip the bin.  2 of us then use a hoe and gently slide the grapes into the bin.  They go up the elevator to the crusher/de-stemmer where the grapes are beaten off the stems and go into a crusher where just the skins are broken.  Then, if they are red grapes they are pumped into the winery and into more one ton bins to be fermented.  If they are white grapes they go directly to the crusher.  When it is full, it is started up and the juice goes right into a tank to be fermented.  That takes about an hour and a half per batch.  Pressed, rotated, pressed, etc.  The balloon inside inflates and pressed the grapes against the drum with holes in it to get the juice.  But, you cannot press to hard or you get a bitter taste from the seeds.  Luckily the machine knows what it is doing and we just have to wait.  The juice is then given a recipe of additives to help fermentation by the winemaker all depending on how much juice is in each container.  A special yeast for whites and reds, honey wine and cider are used.  If I tell you the recipe, I would have to shoot you!  Just kidding.  It is my Husband Joe’s job and we just lug the buckets and stir the bins.  Twice a day the grapes are then pressed down and turned over as they ferment so the color comes out of the red grapes and they ferment evenly.  It is a hard job to do this by hand, but worth it in the end.  We check the sugar every day to see if the yeast has eaten it all and the fermentation is over.  When it gets to zero sugar, we press the grapes.  The wine (since once fermentation is over, it is officially wine) is then checked to see if it has enough SO2 to keep it from spoiling, and left to rest for 2-3 months.  We check the S02 monthly to make sure it is stable, but the wine needs to settle out to get it to clear.  We then “rack” the wine – siphon off the top to get clear wine into another tank, and dispose of the sludge at the bottom (which is a lovely shade of magenta by the way) back into the fields.  We also spread the stems and waste from crushing back into the fields.  Then, the good wine is tested for S02 and left to mature.  We usually wait almost a year for reds to bottle them, and about 6 months for whites.  We do “bench trials” to see what the wine tastes like and if we need to add anything to it, or how to blend it with another wine to get the right flavor.  It is then approved by the winemaker, filtered, another test for S02 to make sure it will be stable and then into the bottle it goes.  Simple, right?  Ha! 

  

4.  Do you have any activities that allow the public to participate in harvest (ie. grape picking, cellar rat for a day?) 

Not anymore.  We process grapes right out by the parking lot though and if they are here on a Saturday when we are picking and crushing, they can come right up and take a look.  September, right into October.  We have processed in the rain, sun and even snow.  When the grapes are ready, they are ready.  We answer questions and enjoy talking to people as long as they do not get in the way of the tractor so they do not get hurt.  

5. What events do you have for the public if any to celebrate the Harvest? (ie. Harvest party, grape stomping etc.)

We have a Harvest Festival the 24^th of September, 12-6.  Grape stomping, pumpkin decorating, hayrides thru the vineyard, and of course a great band on the outside stage.  We have local vendors of all kinds on the lawn, beer, food, cider, doughnuts, and a bounce house for the kids.  $10/person and kids are free. It is our last outdoor event for the year and so we really have a great time.  Then, at night we have another band for the adults from 7-10 inside for free.

Wine & History

 

A perfect weekend for wine and history is a stay at the Thayer Hotel at West Point.  This historic hotel is located on the grounds of the US Military Academy at West Point with breathtaking views of the region.  They are offering a Sip and Stay Package to introduce you to the history of West Point and a little wine tasting afterward.  

Your stay will begin in the Thayer Hotel's Zulu Time Rooftop Lounge with amazing views of the valley while you sip a complimentary glass of wine.  Then wake up the next morning and have a nice breakfast in MacArthur's Riverview Restaurant.  After breakfast you will begin your guided tour of West Point.  

While I never had a guided tour of West Point, I will tell you the history and architecture are amazing.  I spent many years at West Point during football season as a teenager exploring the grounds on my own.  Fort Putnam was one of my favorite places to hike for the day.  Unfortunately I never made it the museum, but will have to do that soon.  

After your tour of West Point you will be taken to Palaia Vineyards to end your day wine tasting and enjoy a  complimentary cheese plate.

The Sip and Stay package begins at $239 midweek and $259 weekend.  For more information on the package click here.

One important note: When staying at Thayer Hotel you must bring proper government issued identification for everyone in your party.  You have to enter the grounds of West Point and go through security check to reach the hotel.

Wine Pairings for the Associates in Your Life

Ever get stumped on what to purchase for the associates in your life.  The hairdresser, your boss, personal trainer etc...  Natalie McLean, of Nat Decants has put together a list of what to get for your associates.  I have added local wine suggestions next to each associate.  As of writing this post, the wines were available in the tasting rooms at all the wineries.  Some wines you will be able to find in local liquor/wine stores. If you don't see them, just ask.

Natalie’s Top Ten Gift Wines for Your ...

1. Hairdresser: For the person who combines humor and optimism every time she styles your mop. Go for a light, gulpable wine like a dry rosé. It’s versatile and fuss-free—a great quaff for your coif.  (Millbrook Vineyards and Winery Hunt Country Rose $15; or Benmarl Winery Rose)

2. Psychiatrist: Of course, he’ll analyze whatever you give him so choose a wine that’s all about balance. Easy-drinking pinot noir is medium-bodied yet packed with flavor. Surprise him with a large-format bottle, like a magnum. Big thinking means big progress for you. This wine also works for psychologists, marriage counselors and bartenders. (Millbrook Vineyard and Winery 2009 Pinot Noir $18)

3. The Boss: Pick too pricey a wine and your boss will think your last raise was too much; go cheap, and she’ll think you lack judgement. Focus on a label with a lot of white space since that makes the bottle look more expensive. A castle in the distance also works, but avoid fluffy animals. (Whitecliff Vineyards and Winery 2009 Gamay Noir $16.95 )

  

4. Personal Trainer: Think a muscular, robust red would work? Hold that position. Instead, try riesling: this light white wine pairs well with a health-nut diet of salad and seafood, plus it’s low in alcohol. You can also give it to Pilates instructors, yoga masters and Tai Chi coaches.(Brotherhood Winery Dry or Semi-Dry Riesling $9.99)

  

5. Financial Planner: You and he both know it’s going to take decades before your portfolio recovers after the crash of 2008. With that long-term view, vintage port makes the perfect gift. This fortified wine from northern Portugal, with its long aging potential, will be around for both of you into your retirements. (Brotherhood Winery Ruby Port $9.99)

  

6. Travel Agent: She’s been everywhere and seen everything, so go local with your choice of wine. Even better, if you live close to the winery, get the bottle signed by the winemaker. (Hudson-Chatham Winery 2009 Baco Noir)

7. Teacher: If you can’t find a suitably obscure wine with a Latin name, there’s always cream sherry. It’s the tipple of Oxford dons, not to mention the centerpiece of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic short story The Case of the Amontillado. (Brookview Station Winery Whistle-Stop White $12.99)

  

8. Mail Deliverer: Go for a winery that’s consistent year after year in producing a wine that can be enjoyed in snow, rain, sleet or hail. Try an Australian shiraz or Argentine malbec. (Whitecliff Vineyards and Winery 2009 Malbec $18.95)

9. Mechanic: Yes, there’s a wine called Red Truck, but try to be more imaginative. Why not give a wine made by Mario Andretti in California or Ferrari in Italy? (Glorie Farm Winery Red Monkey $13.50)

10. Online Date: So you’re on your second or third rendezvous with the person you met on eHarmony or Dating.com. If you’re not sure yet whether marriage is a possibility, try something middle-of-the-road, like merlot. Yes, it’s the soft jazz of wine, but until you know, play it safe. (Palaia Vineyards Merlot $18.99)

And after all that shopping, don’t forget yourself: even Santa’s little helpers need more than milk and cookies. Try something with high-alcohol like Italian Amarone or Rhone syrah: these big reds easily drown out tone-deaf caroling and pair beautifully with tired feet. (Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery 2008 Sky Island Red $23.95, Millbrook Vineyards and Winery, Millbrook Vineyards and Winery 2007 Cabernet Franc Proprietor's Special Reserve $29, Oak Summit 2008 Pinot Noir $30)

Harvest notes from Palaia Vineyards

Jan from Palaia Vineyards sent me a note about their Cab Franc and Lemerger harvest.   In Jan's words " It was a windy and cold day to pick, but beautiful when the sun came out on the orange leaves on the edges of the vineyard.  There is nothing better than the smells of fall in the vineyard, and we let the public come and help pick at least once during the harvest season so they can enjoy the same experience.  Now it is time to wrap up the vineyard for the winter and concentrate on making the best wine we can.  Put away the picking lugs and bins, mow and fix fences, wash and wrap the press and crusher, and start thinking about getting ready for snow!"

The Lemberger cam in with brix of 21 and TA of 7.2.  The Cab Franc numbers were brix of 21.5 and TA of 5.0.

Get out and drink Cabernet on September 2

Cabernet Day - September 2, 2010 is a community owned celebration of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Blend and Cabernet Franc. Here in the Hudson Valley there are producers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Blends and Cabernet Franc.  There are quite a number of vineyards that grow Cabernet Franc, however the Cabernet Sauvignon is grown on Long Island and transported to the Hudson Valley winery for processing.

As I write this there are four Hudson Valley wineries taking part in Cabernet Day on September 2.

1. Brotherhood Winery
2. R Winery at Robibero Family Vineyards  (offering 10% discount for people who would like to purchase their 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2008 Cabernet Franc to use for Cabernet Day.)
3. Palaia Vineyards (offering 10% discount from August 23 - Sept 2 on their 2007 Cabernet Franc)
4. Whitecliff Vineyards & Winery

Where does this take place - the tasting room, your living room, your deck and on all social media sites and blogs including Facebook, Foursquare, Twitter, Friendfeed, Gowalla, Wordpress, Blogger etc...  Just use the #Cabernet hash tag in your post so it will be trackable by the search engines.

What time - all day - it's 5pm somewhere in the world.  It takes place in all time zones.

Why Cabernet Day? Cabernet is one of the most celebrated grapes in the world. Social Media makes it possible to connect with people who share the same interests as you. When you use the #Cabernet hash tag in your posts it makes it easier for people to find you and see what you are saying.  It also makes it easier for you to find people who are talking about the same subject.  It's like a giant table with all participants sitting together over a glass of wine - on September 2 - a glass of Cab.

How do I participate? Add #Cabernet to any thoughts, videos, tweets, blogs or experiences you have on September 2.  Search #Cabernet hash tag on google, twitter, facebook or any monitoring software you use.  Enjoy your Cabernet.

Any updates to participating wineries I will post closer to September 2.

Here is the link to the master invite to Cabernet Day.  http://cabernet.eventbrite.com/ if you want to publicly RSVP and see the participating wineries, restaurants and wine shops.





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Joyful Pink - Palaia Donates Proceeds to Breast Cancer

I lost a good friend this past February to breast cancer at the age of 47.  Breast Cancer doesn't care if you are old, young, have insurance or not.  It is a devastating disease that leaves your friends and family feeling helpless. 


I applaud Palaia Vineyards and Winery as they have been donating to breast cancer since they came up with the "Joyful Pink" wine a sweet sweet Rose wine.  


Jan's grandfather's name was Joy Ernest Michael and the bottle features a happy photo of him and his wife on the label which inspired the name of the wine.  The Winery sponsored a team 2 years ago at the Woodbury Commons cancer walk, and raised over $6,000 which was an amazing amount of money.  They sell "Think Pink" t-shirts with the ribbon logo on them and donate from those sales as well.  


"Basically, anything pink in the store, they donate a percentage.  It seemed the perfect way to give something back, and all of us here think that is a very important part of life" said Jan.  Money is tight everywhere, and for everyone, but cancer does not care.  The Young Survival Coalition is the charity they choose to donate to, as the money goes directly to help young girls with cancer. More information is available at  www.young survival.org


So when you go wine tasting at Palaia and purchase the Joyful Pink - feel good about yourself as you are also donating to a great cause.


The Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Woodbury Commons is held every year in October.  This year the walk is scheduled for October 17.  Hopefully I will see you there.

Palaia Vineyards celebrates Valentines Day & Mardi Gras all weekend

Join Palaia Vineyards beginning Thursday February 11 as they begin the weekend celebration of Valentine's Day and Mardi Gras.Thursday evening from 7p - 10p special treats for the ladies  that include chocolate of course.  Pair the chocolate with their Cab Franc or Merot - yummm!  Saturday night is the incredible band "Groovy Tuesday" for a valentine's evening of fun from 7-10. And, Sunday the 4 perfectly blended voices of "JADE" from 2:30-5:30. 

Friday February 12th is Mardi Gras night with masks and beads at the door and the fabulous Bruce Perone playing from 7-10.  I will be thinking of all of you celebrating Mardi Gras at Palaia as I will be New Orleans celebrating and collecting beads for next years party.


Don't forget food is available at Palaia - try their gourmet bread/fruit/cheese and antipasto platters to more substantial fare such as chili, soup and baked clams.  

Calling all Trekkies

Are you a fan of Star Trek?  If you are this is an event for you.  Palaia Vineyards is having a Star Trek Party on January 9th.  Come dressed as your favorite Trekkie and have some fun.  The event begins at 7pm and ends at 10pm.  Duo Phonic will be playing for your entertainment pleasure.

Some wine tasting suggestions are:  Traminette (on of my favorites), Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and their just released Mead.

What's on your Thanksgiving Table

As the holidays approach, we often find ourselves in the liquor/wine store contemplating our wine purchase.  Should we get a California Chardonnay, an Oregon Pinot Noir, a Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand or South Africa? Everybody has their own Thanksgiving traditional meal.


I am very lucky to live in Hudson Valley Wine Country with over 25 wineries. There are regional wines that will match any palate and plate. Whether it's red, white or sparkling, you will fine some wonderful choices here in the tasting rooms as well as the liquor/wine store.  Yes many local wines can be found in the local liquor/wine stores.


What will be on my table Thursday?  One of my new favorites - Traminette. Whitecliff, Palaia and Benmarl all produce wonderful Traminette. In fact I just purchased 2 bottles of Benmarl's Traminette this weekend when I stopped by the tasting room.  For red wine lover at my table, we will have a Whitecliff Gamay Noir along with a Millbrook Block 5 East Pinot Noir.  There might even be some Brotherhood Blanc de Blanc making an appearance too.  What will be on yours?



There is wine produced in almost every state.  This Holiday Season, support your local community and businesses.  When you shop, when you dine, even when you purchase wine "THINK LOCAL FIRST!" (Thank you Charlie North- DCRCOC)

Palaia 2007 Traminette

I am really liking Traminette these days. Traminette is a hybrid that grows well in the Hudson Valley. It's parents are Gewurztraminer. If you like Gewurztraminer, you will like Traminette. I see a future blog posts of a verticle tasting of Palaia's 06 and 07 Traminette. (I still have one 06 left in the cellar.)

For now I will share with you my tasting of Palaia's 2007 Traminette which I purchased at the Bounty of the Hudson Wine Festival August 2, 2009.
I love how Jan incorporated her family into her wines with pictures. Really gives you a nice sense of family!

This wine is busting out with the aroma of lychee all over. It's a wonderful fresh aroma that really puts a smile on my face. Brings me to a calm relaxing place. Mid palate the melon flavor became present. This wine has a nice body and round feel. It's a nice smooth drinking wine that is lightly acidic.

Aroma of the morning air

The other night I opened a 2007 Palaia Traiminette. Traiminette is a hybrid grape. 'Traminette' is a late mid-season white wine grape (Fig. 1) which produces wine with pronounced varietal character likened to one of its parents, 'Gewürztraminer'. 'Traminette' is distinguished by its superior wine quality combined with good productivity, partial resistance to several fungal diseases, and cold hardiness superior to its acclaimed parent, 'Gewürztraminer'.(info from nysaes.cornell.edu)

Now that you understand the grape variety I was tasting, on with the notes. On the nose with a deep inhale reminded me of flowers on a spring morning. Maybe Morning Glorie. There was a sweetness that turned nto a spicy dry finish. On the mid palate I tasted honeysuckle.

As the wine began to open the sweetness became more prominent.

This morning I got up and walked, taking in the scenery. I didn't have my ipod because I brought the dog with me. Talking to the dog and spending time with her is more important than listening to music and singing (easier on my neighbors ears too:) As I passed my favorite spot that overlooks the Catskills, I took a deep breath. OMG....I smelled the Traminette from the night before. For about a 1/4 mile I smelled the flowers of the aroma from the wine the previous night. What a smile that brought to my face.

Palaia Vineyards - Newest Shawangunk Wine Trail Member

When you are waiting at the Dentist office, what are you thinking sitting there in the waiting room? Me, I usually pick up some gossip magazine and catch up. Jan Palaggi of Palaia Vineyards was sitting in the Dentist office and picked up a business magazine that said “What do you want to do when you retire..do something you have always wanted, or do nothing?” Jan thought..”I’ve always wanted to own a winery.” Now 9 years later her dream is a reality.

Set on a 200 year old cow farm, Palaia was officially licensed as a winery in 2001 and the spring of 2002 they planted their first vines. Today their vineyard consists of 1500 vines which include: Cab Franc, Traminette, Seyval, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc. The tasting room opened in 2006.

Jan's labels are quite unique. They are all family members, including one of her when she was a teen. Very nostalgic.

I tasted most of her selections. Her Chardonnay was very nice. Hints of vanilla and lemon with a little oak. The 2006 Traminette was nice. I am so trying to like this grape. Jan crafted it quite nicely. A little minerally, but not overpowering.

I found their 2003 Pinot Noir light and the 2002 was more complex. I enjoyed both Cab Francs I tasted.

Fairly new to the winemaking scene, I expect wonderful wines to be produced at Palaia. She is off to a great start!

All year long Palaia has live music Thursday thru Sunday in the tasting room. Check their website for times. During the summer they have a stage set up on the lawn for music. July 25 & 26 they host a Neil Young Tribute which is a benefit for "Joan's Legacy" in the fight for Lung Cancer and they host a free Pig Roast for their customers. You have to be on their mailing list to be invited.

Palaia is a member of the Shawangunk Wine Trail and will be participating in all Shawangunk Wine Trail events.

Palaia Vineyards and Brimstone Hill Vineyards join Shawangunk Wine Trail

Shawangunk Wine Trail Announces Two New Members

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