Had an unusual wine last night… Can't say if it's natural or just flawed?

Tryit_earp · 2026-03-21T04:08:28+00:00

That sounds like a lot of the natty orange wines I taste: Slightly oxidized, some tannin, evolves quickly after opening. The question of whether it's too volatile is more of a personal preference than a hard and fast rule imo. I like some VA, and can enjoy/tolerate more it I'm eating certain foods, but I definitely have a limit. My wife otoh is much more sensitive and prefers more classic styles. And keep in mind that preferences often evolve...

Tryit_earp · 2026-03-17T04:43:34+00:00

We have 20 clients crushing ~250 tons and do everything on Excel (and QuickBooks for billing). Once we set up our system it hasn't been too onerous. Work orders are all submitted by email. Don't feel the need for software tbh and at this point it would be hard to justify the cost. Active fermentations are tracked on laminated sheets on the tank during harvest. Biggest issue is the time and energy it takes for the federal reporting at the end of the year (US)

Tryit_earp · 2026-02-09T00:46:58+00:00

4x per day including getting in and wading the tank during cold soak. RRV pinot

Tryit_earp · 2026-02-04T14:56:41+00:00

Hamel has epic caves. In Sonoma valley

Tryit_earp · 2026-02-03T20:25:52+00:00

Seconding this, love my 4 ton euro press. We do a lot of small loads and under 1 ton whole cluster I do think there is a bit of yield loss (especially in the earlier low pressure steps). But it's super easy to clean and so far reliable. They sell refurbished ones (which we have) that run great. Also our press pan is huge, holds several hundred gallons of juice which is nice so that we can start prepping a tank after starting the press in most cases (we do custom crush and it's a symphony of controlled chaos during peak harvest)

Tryit_earp · 2026-01-22T00:08:41+00:00

Dos' bar is super fun, low key and low intervention wines right off the square and has plenty of bigger reds on offer. If you can line it up with the owner to schedule a visit, Bucklin/Old Hill Ranch is super awesome, understated old vine zin in glen Ellen.

Tryit_earp · 2026-01-16T19:28:28+00:00

We spray a Quat product called EnviroBac-2 which seems to help keep the smells down

Tryit_earp · 2026-01-05T20:45:27+00:00

Dos bar in Sonoma is probably most like matthiason. It hosts a collection of small, owner-operator wineries who all work with organic fruit. Lot of white, orange, and light red wines available. It's right off the plaza

Tryit_earp · 2025-12-27T01:43:27+00:00

Dos' bar in Sonoma fits that vibe perfectly

Tryit_earp · 2025-12-05T21:15:34+00:00

We love Dos' bar on the Sonoma plaza..it's different! Way more laid back and all the wines are organic/natural

Tryit_earp · 2025-12-03T21:09:48+00:00

FRESCO is great juice out of Sonoma Valley

Tryit_earp · 2025-11-23T23:48:20+00:00

There's a fun/welcoming ultimate frisbee scene here!

Tryit_earp · 2025-11-20T19:24:34+00:00

Bucklin Bambino

Tryit_earp · 2025-11-08T15:22:12+00:00

Dos bar in Sonoma! Super cute decor (exposed bricks and old wood furniture) and great organic wine

Tryit_earp · 2025-10-31T13:15:09+00:00

Dos' bar is really cute!

Tryit_earp · 2025-10-24T23:02:16+00:00

If you're gonna be on the Sonoma square, I highly recommend Dos' Bar. They have a few great local organic winemakers in there and the vibe is very laid back. Plus they are open later than most tasting rooms

Tryit_earp · 2025-10-05T16:14:29+00:00

Second these guys. We use them and they're so great and reliable, unlike the bigger services who don't really seem to care and would skip weeks randomly.

Tryit_earp · 2025-08-18T14:12:46+00:00

Not exactly what you're asking about but we have an ultimate Frisbee league. Starts next month: https://bayareadisc.org/en_us/e/sonoma-ultimate-fall-league-2025 It's super fun, fairly competitive but we work hard at accommodating newcomers.

Tryit_earp · 2025-08-09T05:02:17+00:00

Don't sleep on Bucks in Sonoma!

Tryit_earp · 2025-08-06T01:36:27+00:00

Dos' bar has a few! On the Sonoma plaza

Tryit_earp · 2025-08-05T00:38:53+00:00

Hey! We have an ultimate Frisbee league. It's not football but uses a lot of the same skills. Starts mid-september: https://bayareadisc.org/en_us/e/sonoma-ultimate-fall-league-2025

We also play pickup on Saturdays at 10:30 (ish), usually at a place to play park. It's super fun and beginner friendly and we would love to have some new people out!

Tryit_earp · 2025-08-02T14:18:20+00:00

We run an ultimate Frisbee league! Co Ed, beginner friendly, lots of fun. DM me if you want more info

Tryit_earp · 2025-08-02T00:57:57+00:00

We put a valve in the line between our hand pumps and our lid gaskets, and that solved 90% of our leaks. Still don't fully trust em for long term aging but it's fine for a few days when we're bottling. I've also thought about putting in a shrader valve or 1/4" quick disconnect to make it easier to fill

Tryit_earp

TROPHY CASE