April Newsletter
We're Open Easter Sunday
Darcie Kent Estate Winery is open on Easter Sunday, April 9th, 2023! It’s the perfect day to surround yourself in our panoramic views and the vibrant colors of Darcie’s artwork.
And guess what? Kids are welcome too! While underage guests should remain seated with accompanied adults, they can join in on the fun with our expanded non-alcoholic menu offerings. We also have charcuterie plates, sandwiches, hummus and dips available for purchase while supplies last, and you are welcome to bring your own picnic lunch, we simply ask that you clean up after yourself if you choose to bring your own food.
We’ve got everything you need for a fun and relaxing Easter afternoon. Book your reservations today.
Terrace and Green Re-opening (Take Two)
What a winter! While we enjoy hosting tastings in Bing’s Barn and Art Gallery, we understand that everyone is feeling a bit of cabin fever (including us!)
Service on the Terrace & Green will continue to be weather dependent, but we are optimistic that the Terrace will be open for the spring and summer seasons, starting this month.
If you prefer the cozy ambiance of Bing’s Barn, don’t worry – the Barn will remain open all year round for wine tastings and viewing Darcie’s art. We’re also excited to announce that we will be launching a new Elevated Tasting this summer. These special tasting experiences will take place in the barn and provide a unique opportunity to explore our winery and wines in a more intimate setting.
Don't Miss This Year's Uncorked
Livermore Valley Uncorked is an annual wine competition inviting local wineries to submit their best wines. What makes this competition unique is that the submitted wines are crafted from grapes grown in the Livermore Valley American Viticultural Area (AVA). That’s right, the wine needs to be grown here too!
This is a very fun event for wine lovers of all kinds! Tickets include tastings of all the Best of Class winning wines along with seven chef prepared small plates, charcuterie table, and even dessert!
Award ceremonies are always a thrill, especially when local winemakers and vintners get to step up and get recognized for their hard work and vision. Don’t miss out on a fun night!
14th Annual Livermore Valley Uncorked
Thursday, April 27th, 6 pm
Bella Rosa Event Center at Garré Winery
Summer Tickets Now On Sale!
It’s not too early to be thinking about your summer plans. And its not too late to get your tickets to the summer’s biggest events!
CabFranc-A-Palooza
Cabernet Franc lovers and wine producers are descending upon Livermore Valley from June 1st – 4th for CabFranc-A-Palooza! Over the course of 4 days, 30+ wineries will celebrate all things Cabernet Franc with events and tastings – culminating in the Grand Tasting on Sunday June 4th. Award-winning wines from the Livermore Valley, France, Napa Valley, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Oregon, Washington State, Texas, the North Fork of Long Island, Sierra Foothills, Santa Barbara, Santa Cruz Mountains, Virginia and more will be featured throughout the week!
Tickets are selling VERY fast to the kickoff event on Thursday. Don’t miss out!
SPARC’s Outdoor Theater in the Vineyard, June 22nd – August 6th
This year, SPARC will be performing the drama “Silent Sky,” and Shakespeare’s comedy “Much Ado About Nothing.”
“Silent Sky” is a captivating, poignant play written by American playwright Lauren Gunderson. Set in the early 20th century, it tells the inspiring story of Henrietta Swan Leavitt, a trailblazing female astronomer who defied societal expectations and made groundbreaking contributions to the field of astronomy. The play skillfully weaves together themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of knowledge, while also highlighting the oft-overlooked contributions of women in science.
“Much Ado About Nothing” is a classic Shakespearean comedy that masterfully intertwines the themes of love, deception, and wit. Set in the picturesque town of Messina, the plot revolves around two couples: the spirited and sharp-tongued Beatrice and Benedick, and the innocent Hero and Claudio. At its heart, “Much Ado About Nothing” is a charming exploration of the complexities of love, trust, and the human desire to find happiness, all the while showcasing Shakespeare’s unparalleled wit and wordplay.
Darcie's Studio
Are you one of the people who scrolled straight down to this newsletter column, hoping to see if a new barrel head painting is being released? Well, you’re in luck! Darcie’s newest barrel head, “Stained Glass,” is ready for its debut out on the Terrace & Green!
Her previous release in this series, “Harvest Glow,” was purchased even before it was displayed in Bing’s Barn by someone reading this newsletter!
Darcie’s artist note: “Our Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon glowed with stained glass colors during harvest. I painted this on the head of one of our wine barrels that is too old for production. The wood grain, stain from the grapes used in winemaking, and barrel stamps contribute to the uniqueness of each barrel head painting.”
“Stained Glass”
Acrylic on a reclaimed Darcie Kent wine barrel head, 22” diameter
Gallery Price $1700 | Club Members $850
In The Vineyards
Our vines have happily soaked up the winter rains, and the thin layer of early March snow is long gone. As the weather gets warmer, it’s time for budbreak!
Budbreak happens in a similar order as harvest: our white wines and Pinot Noir usually appear first, followed by our Apulian, Primitivo clone of Zinfandel (Primitivo means “first”). Then come the bolder reds, with the heaviest varietals, Petit Verdot and Clone 30 Cabernet Sauvignon, showing up last.
The temperature at the vineyard site matters, too. The Pinot Noir vines at the top of Triska Vineyard are already growing tiny green leaves, while the vines at the bottom are just beginning to show buds. This is because of Triska Vineyard’s special microclimate, where cool air and ocean breezes get trapped in the valley at the base of the vineyard. This vineyard, top and bottom, is 3-4 degrees cooler than our vineyards on Tesla Road, enabling us to make world-class Pinot Noir.
