Vineyard:
It’s a statement that will shock no one: Fall is a busy time in Napa Valley and Sinegal Estate is no exception! Each year brings its own unique set of challenges and this year has been no exception. With a cold and wet winter coupled with a mild June temperature, our harvest has been around 2-3 weeks later than past vintages. Growing degree days (GDD) are down from what has been the norm over previous years, meaning so far, this is one of the coolest vintages we have ever experienced at Sinegal Estate. What does this mean in terms of the vintage? Overall our crop looks excellent and this longer growing season with additional hang time for the fruit on the vine will result in some incredibly beautiful wine.
Let’s talk Versaison
Veraison is the onset of the ripening process of the grapes on the vine. It marks the official transition from vegetative growth to color, sugar and tannin development. To the naked eye, it is a breathtaking example of mother nature at work in the vineyard as seemingly overnight the grapes begin their transition from green to a deep majestic purple.
Winery: new tools and projects
Sustainability: Solar energy independence, water reclamation, new diam corks, new shipper cases, recycled bottles
Sustainability is something we take seriously at Sinegal Estate. Beyond the flashiness of “organic” or “solar”, we strive to ensure that we make every effort at each step in the process to minimize our environmental footprint. Behind the scenes of an elevated luxury experience lies rows of solar panels, ethically farmed vegetation, and recycled bottles to name a few of the ways we strive to tread a little lighter on the earth.
At Sinegal Estate, we are:
CCOF certified organically farmed
“Fish Friendly Farming” Certified, which is a sustainable verification program for agricultural properties managed to restore fish and wildlife habitat and improve water quality
Solar/Off the grid for all of our operations power needs
All of our wastewater in the facility is processed on property and reused to water the vineyard/grounds
Eliminating all bubble wrap, foam and additional interior packaging material to significantly reduce packaging waste
In addition to the above practices we have put into place, we have recently switched to kegging for a portion of our production for DETAILS by Sinegal. This practice dramatically reduces the amount of bottles and waste from landfills (which reduces CO2 emissions). Why a steel keg? Here’s some interesting facts that make the case for going eco-friendly:
40-60% of total emissions of a bottle of wine come from the traditional glass bottle. With stainless steel kegs, there is a 76% reduction in the CO2 footprint – that’s huge!
One steel keg saves the CO2 equivalent of 28 trees
Each steel keg put into service eliminates the carbon emissions equivalent to taking a car off the road for 2 years
People:
We are pleased to announce our new Director of Winemaking, Nick Moraida!
September 20th, 2011. I have loved wine for as long as I can remember. Early in my career I worked in wine sales and restaurants, after a few years I decided to go back to school to learn more about the process of winemaking at Fresno State. My first year there a friend invited me to go pick grapes and help make the wine for his project. Once I got the opportunity to make a wine from start to finish, I was hooked.
If you weren’t working the wine industry, what else would you be doing?
Probably in the health and wellness industry… or in food/cooking.
If you could property swap with one region in the world to make wine, where would it be?
Difficult question, how about the top three? Borolo would certainly be one of my top choices, anywhere in Bordeaux and Burgundy I couldn’t pass up either.
What’s one spot in Napa Valley that people can’t miss when visiting Napa?
Compline Restaurant. Incredible wine list and food. Also, Biscuits BBQ, best barbeque in town.
We know you drink wine. But what’s your go-to no-fail cocktail?
Jameson neat, easy to make and only one ingredient. Go-to Friday night meal is homemade pizza from scratch in the pizza oven.
“10 things you (likely) didn’t know about me” Section:
Please include up to 10 things about you that people may not know
I love animals and I have several- Two dogs, three chickens, a pig, and a goat.
I love traveling. Early in my career I traveled through South America for 6 months and worked at a winery in Argentina.
I recently started golfing… I absolutely love it, but I’m terrible.
I am very into health and fitness. I am fascinated by how the body functions and optimizing one’s health and performance.
During my time at Sinegal Estate I have worked in every production position over the last 8 years. Intern, Cellar Master, Enologist, Associate Winemaker, Winemaker, and Director of Winemaking.
I collect wine… And Jordans… I don’t drink or wear either from my collections.
I was born and raised in Napa.
There is nothing more important in life than family. My favorite thing to do is spend time with my partner, Charlotte and stepdaughter Kennedy.
I really enjoy brewing, takes a lot of beer to make great wine. Why not make the beer as well?
I started my career looking to be a Sommelier and wine director, but after going back to school for Enology I fell in love with Winemaking.
People (continued)
We have a new baby in the family at Sinegal Estate! Meet Freya, born in July to Assistant Winemaker Janey Chritton! She is absolutely perfect.
Events:
We’ve had a big summer and start to fall at the Estate! In July, we celebrated 10 years of Sinegal Estate! Thank you to everyone who made it such a special day.
This year’s Harvest Celebration was unlike any other complete with a live DJ and surprise Samba show (that made quite the entrance!). We are already looking forward to next year!
Interested in hosting your own event at Sinegal Estate? From receptions by the lake to private dinners in the caves, we look forward to helping you create memorable events at the winery. Email shelley@sinegalestate.com for details!
Offers:
For the first time ever, we will be offering our limited edition Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon publicly. If you are a current Sinegal Estate member, stay tuned for specific details on when access to this limited allocation becomes available before it opens for everyone.
Celebrate Your Partnerships with Sinegal Estate!
Take the guesswork out of giving a great gift with the help of our Corporate Gifting Concierge. Details to follow (or get a headstart by emailing info@sinegalestate.com )
Tasting Room:
We’ve partnered with legendary artist Kate Neckel for a commissioned piece for Sinegal Estate that captures her vision of the beauty of our Estate and wines. If you’re receiving a member shipment this fall you are in for a limited edition surprise…
