What a great way to kick off “A Little Street Music” at Taft Street Winery. Bottleshock packed the house last Sunday afternoon and we found out that our new patio easily accommodates 200 people.  Summer has definitely arrived, providing a great afternoon with great Sonoma County weather, music, and wine.

Here are just a few of the photos taken that afternoon.

Stay tuned, on June 24, we welcome Blue & Lonesome, a traditional bluegrass band consists of Ed Neff, Mike Wilhoyte, Larry Cohea, Paul Shelasky and Jeff King. Blue & Lonesome has captured the traditional sound of bluegrass music, incorporating the experience and talents of five of the top traditional players in the business today.

Help us make A Little Street Music a summer tradition. Bring a picnic and we’ll supply the wine. Enjoy the summer – Taft Street Style.

Taft Street Winery is excited to announce its summer music series – A LITTLE STREET MUSIC. On the last Sunday of the month from May through August some of Sonoma County’s most popular bands will perform in our outdoor picnic area adjacent to our newly renovated Tasting Room. This summer’s acts include Bottle Shock, Blue & Lonesome, The Smilin’ Iguanas, and The Rhythm Rangers.

The events are free. The Tasting Room opens at 11am, with music from 3pm to 6pm. All our Tasting Room exclusives are available for purchase by the glass or bottle. Bring a picnic and we’ll supply the wine. Enjoy the summer – Taft Street Style.

Help us make A LITTLE STREET MUSIC a summer tradition.

SCHEDULE OF ACTS

May 27, 2012 – Bottle Shock: Bottle Shock produces an original sound best described as toe tappin’ music for the mind, body and soul. With a style firmly based in American roots music the band has its own little sound going on. Come have a look and a listen; it won’t take long for you to become SHOCKED!

June 24, 2012 – Blue & Lonesome: This traditional bluegrass band consists of Ed Neff, Mike Wilhoyte, Larry Cohea, Paul Shelasky and Jeff King. Blue & Lonesome has captured the traditional sound of bluegrass music, incorporating the experience and talents of five of the top traditional players in the business today.

July 29,1012 – The Smilin’ Iguanas: The Smilin’ Iguanas feature a collaboration of three West Sonoma County songwriters, with unique commentaries on life and relationships. The wide ranging songs are delivered with wry humor, strong vocals, and the spirited instrumental interplay of the five piece ensemble.

August 26, 2012 – The Rhythm Rangers: The Rhythm Rangers is a kickass Sonoma County band made up of great players and nice fellas. The Rangers pull from the great Americana songbook, mixing Bob Willis – style western swing with alt – country sounds reminiscent of Merle Haggard, and finishing off with the rockin’ blues in the style made famous by blues great Willie Dixon.

The skies are blue, the weather is warm and the vines are in that important stage of flowering. Warm weather appears to be in store for the next week or so, and growers are cautiously optimistic about this first critical aspect of the growing season.

In the cellar, Evelyn is waiting for our new screw capper, which will signal several months of bottling for custom crush clients. All our 2011 wines that would go into screw tops (Sauvignon Blanc, Rose, and Pinot Gris) are already bottled, so we will have to wait for the 2012 vintage. Evelyn and Mike Martini are in discussion with a number of growers concerning grape sources for the upcoming vintage. Demand is high and stocks are low, and prices are on the rise. Beware!

I just returned from a trip to Massachusetts, where our distributor – Café Europa – continues to do a bang up job, opening new (and good) accounts throughout the state. Mike Martini and Mosha poured our wines at the Sonoma County Vintners’ Association Tasting in Los Angeles, where they reported big crowds and an enthusiastic reception for the wines of Taft Street.

Kaitlyn and crew are gearing up for our spring President’s Club party, the first to be held in our newly redecorated Tasting Room. Later in the month we will begin our first concert series – A Little Street Music.

Be sure to check out my recipe for May: Sraracha Chicken Nuggets.

The season is quickly getting into gear. Come join the fun!

Cheers,

Mike Tierney
President Taft Street Winery