In honor of today being March 12th, Deed Day at Gundlach Bundschu, I thought it was only appropriate that I dedicate this post to the Bundschu Family, other farmers of the vine, and all wine lovers in general. Although I have had an affinity for the product of the science, I had not done much digging into oenology until last year when doing research for the Deed Day Poetry competition.  My desire to learn about the nuances of winemaking, the histories of the  families, and viticulture has only grown since then.   

154 years ago, Jacob Gundlach purchased the 400 acres in Sonoma.  Six generations later, through prohibition, San Francisco’s quake, and the renaissance of the Napa/Sonoma wine industry, the Bundschu Family carries on the tradition of making fabulous wines.  They continue to honor the past, while adapting to modern technologies.  Amazing people, an amazing place, and amazing wine. I hope you enjoy the piece I wrote to commemorate the celebration last year. Cheers!

He retraces the steps of those that came before him

Balancing the yoke of four generations

Sorrows of the past, visions of the future 

Early blossoms cover pear trees

Bud break, Energy, pooled

Bark pulling away, ready for growth

 The time for grafting

A merger of strength and resistance

New Hope at Rhinefarm

 

He retraces the steps of those that came before him

Balancing the yoke of five generations

Replanting the past, visions of the future

Hues of fruit are changing

Prune the tested vine,

Flesh develops, the yield is set

The time of Veraison

Forging toward fruition

New Hope at Rhinefarm

 

He retraces the steps of those that came before him

Balancing the yoke of six generations

Honoring the past, visions of the future

Toasted leaves curl on tired vines

Energy poured into fruit

Bursting on the vine

The time for harvest has come

Inspiration, Innovation flourish

New Hope at Rhinefarm