As I sit here and look out the window, it seems that spring has finally arrived, except that it is only 40 degrees out side and the hills have a fresh layer of snow.  April has been a crazy month here in Walla Walla.  But, despite the frigid temperatures, the rain, hail, snow and wind, April has brought us a couple of treats.  I am talking about our 2006 Merlot and our 2006 Seven Hills Vineyard blend.  That,s right, we bottled up two wines earlier in the month.  We started off with about 1500 cases of our 2006 Merlot, which is one of the two wines at Pepper Bridge winery that we release to the public.  The 2006 Merlot is 100% from our estate vineyards here in Walla Walla, it has spent about about 18 month in 100% French oak barrels.  This wine will be released towards the end of the year.  We also bottled up a blend that comes entirely from our Seven Hills Vineyard.  This is a Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cab Franc, also aged 18 months in 100% French oak.  This wine will also be released around December, but, only to our bridge club members.

Now that the month of April is almost over, what's next?  Well, usually it's May.  And we all know what happens in the beginning of May.  That's right, spring release weekend.  The winery opens its doors to the public and allows folks to get a view of the inner workings of Pepper Bridge, and taste some of our wines, including our 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon which has not been released yet.  We will be starting off the weekend with a party and a Petanque Tournament for our Bridge club members on Friday.  What is Petanque?  It is a game, no, a sport, of skill, finesse and cunning.  A little luck has been known to help also.  Petanque is simmilar to Bocce Ball.  Basically, its marbles, for adults.  Big Marbles.  The best thing about Petanque is that you can play it with a wine glass in one hand.  It can be done with a wine glass in both hands, but we don't recommend it, because you usually end up spilling most of your wine.  If you are a club member and have not made it to one of our release weekend parties, shame on you, you are missing out.  If you are a club member and have made it to our party, and plan on coming again, we will see you next weekend.  Cheers.