Have always really loved the wines, I stopped buying from most lists simply due to having too much wine. I plan to buy at least their upcoming October release.
Greetings Robert,
We are reaching out to you as valued member of our mailing list to give you an update on the impact of the CZU Lightning Complex Fires our Estate Vineyard and Winery. Now that containment is consistently increasing and people are slowly returning to their homes, we wanted to check in to say we are gaining more an more understanding of the damage that has occurred.
These weeks have brought a mix of emotions: hope, relief, grief and disappointment. Miraculously, our Estate Winery building, and the 2019 Vintage still inside, made it through unscathed, even as equipment and utility vehicles burned nearby. Much of the vineyard is in good shape, although parts of Rattlesnake Rock were scorched with some of the vines lost and the rest of the estate fruit most likely impacted by smoke. Sadly, Founder and Proprietor Bradley Brown lost his home, as did other members of our staff. Several others, including our Winemaker, Blake Yarger, have yet to be let back to their homes.
However, despite these losses, our harvest crew is determined to make the best wines we have ever made. We will get through this and we will get on with the business of making beautiful wines that we can drink years down the road and recall the intensity and challenges of these times. We have been moved by the numerous messages of concern and support and we assure you, that our heads are held high and our spirits are unwavering.
View of our Estate Vineyard after the CZU Complex fires. Taken August 26, 2020
As we look forward to harvest, we realize that this year is anything but “business as usual,” and understand you may be feeling the same way.
We have a wine club release coming in October. Our wine club releases are our largest and most reliable form of revenue- revenue that will be much needed during this already difficult year as we tackle the efforts of rebuilding and rehabilitation. For most of you, this release will provide a bit of welcome sunshine in an otherwise chaotic and stressful time. And to you, we say “Cheers! And Enjoy!”
But for others, this release may present logistical or financial difficulties. We have numerous club members in zip codes that have been evacuated due to the CZU and SCU complex fires. We already know that some of these have lost their homes and as information comes in we know more will find their homes and lives damaged and in need of repair. Our club members are like family and in this time we are all hurting and in need. We want to support each other while also being able to focus on our own needs for healing and rebuilding.
For those of you who are wondering how you might help in these difficult times, in addition to buying more wine for yourself, please consider donating a Fire Recovery Release which will go to a Club member who has lost their home (and wine) to these fires. We are also encouraging those who have the means to lend support to other organizations that are doing the very difficult and very important work of rebuilding our communities. For a list of ways in which you can help, please visit our Community Support page.
As always, we thank you for your continued support of Big Basin Vineyards. We have begun the 2020 harvest and look forward to the incredible story its wines will tell.