Three Rivers Vineyards

Santeetlah

Santeetlah Vineyard vines in 2nd leaf

Rain, rain and ... rain

July 15, 2006

July 2006 has been another wet month after a unusually dry June. Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes look very good, while Merlot suffered some winter cold damage that has reduced the crop significantly. Chardonnay grapes are quickly approaching veraison (when the grapes begin to soften and change color).

Rain, rain and ... rain

July 17, 2005

2005 has been the wettest year in recent history in Graham County NC, presenting continuing challenges to growing top quality grapes in our prototype vineyard. The grapes look good considering the stress of all the rain. We are hoping for drier weather in August.

Graham County's newest wine grape vineyard

July 19, 2004

We have dropped all fruit after a bout of black rot in the vineyard. We set our new goal for first vintage on 2005.

May 12, 2004

Started a new block of St. Vincent last week, this grape makes a wonderful red wine and will be grown under organic methods. We are looking forward to our first crop of Chardonnay and Sangiovese this fall.

June 16, 2003

Three Rivers is pleased to announce the grand opening celebrating our Santeetlah Vineyard in Robbinsville, NC. The vineyard is located on the steep slopes of the the Smoky Mountains. Chardonnay and Sangiovese blocks are now in their second leaf and starting to fill out the trellises. Newly planted this year are Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Lake Santeetlah is a short distance down the valley and has a moderating effect on air temperatures carried by the prevailing west winds rising to the vineyard.

	Click on pictures below to view at full size (please be patient, good resolution images take time to load).
	A Chardonnay row - July 2005.
	A Cabernet Sauvignon row - July 2005.
	Perspective of vineyard terrace showing the steep 50% slope.
	View of valley from the vineyard.
	Steep terraces overlook the valley below.
	Chardonnay block beginning third year.
	Cabernet Sauvignon block at planting.