Whats the most difficult part of the job for NW Grapes?
Arranging for less popular grapes is a problem. While some of our home winemakers are eager to experiment with new grape varieties, the basic demand is for the old standards like Cabernet, Merlot, and Zin. Our problem is that the Central Coast, with its many microclimates and adventuresome growers, often offers us the chance to get many other varietiesfor example, Tempranillo, Grenache, Touriga Nacional, Nebbiolo, and Petite Sirah. We would like to make these varieties available because we know these grapes produce excellent wine (the one perk of managing NW Grapes is the chance to visit the Central Coast and taste wines!). For us, the ideal situation with a variety is continuing annual demand for at least a ton. But generating a ton of interest in a new grape is understandably difficult, especially when the tried-and-true varieties are working out so well. Some people have suggested rotation for more these more exotic” varietiesfor example, Rhone grapes one year and Italian varieties
