It seems every year is a Year from Hell when you are in the grape business. But 2020 takes the cake. The ten-year downturn in the wine industry had started the end of 2019; the wildfires and smoke taint came upon this area in October 2019; and the Covid lockdown, just months later. We escaped the wrath of each due only to divine providence..
But here is the good news: Drought makes for better wine. Yes, we may not be able to shower, but grapes, like ours, will be more intense, colorful and aromatic if it is warm and dry. (Note: not like the wet and cooler areas where the grapes cannot fully mature in the season).