Sustainability. It may be a buzzword these days, but at 2Hawk, sustainable winemaking is a sincere commitment. It’s a commitment to being responsible stewards of our distinctive home in the Rogue Valley. It’s a commitment to our neighbors and to our community. Most importantly, it’s a commitment to the future so generations yet to come can enjoy all Southern Oregon has to offer, from stellar views to pristine rapids to world-class wine.
Archive for Vineyards
Have you ever looked at two seemingly identical bottles of wine with different years printed on the labels and wondered, “What’s the difference?” If so, you’re not alone! Vintage does matter—and not just in terms of how old the wine itself is. The good news is just a little knowledge on the topic of vintages can go a long way toward enhancing your selection and enjoyment of wines.
As the vineyard enters its long slumber until spring, the 2020 vintage is on its way from the vineyard to your glass. This has been a tumultuous year, so it’s little surprise that the 2020 harvest itself was challenging at times. With challenges come opportunities, however, and our hardworking team has risen to the occasion. We’re thrilled about the results of this year’s harvest, and we look forward to sharing our 2020 vintage with you.
If there has been one constant in 2020, it is that each month brings new challenges. September proved no exception as the catastrophic Almeda Fire took a heavy, heartrending toll on the Rogue Valley, leaving incalculable destruction in its wake. In the aftermath, we’re helping Southern Oregon rebuild, even as we ensure the 2020 vintage stands as a testament to the resilience of the Rogue Valley.
If you’ve spent any time browsing wine lists or shopping for wine, there’s a good chance you’ve come across the term “natural wine” at some point. But what exactly is “natural wine”? As a concept, it’s pretty simple—bottle only that which the vineyard produces naturally—but what exactly does that mean, how does that criterion differ from other wines, and how does 2Hawk fit into this category?
With the 2019 harvest completed, the holiday season flurry behind us, and the grapevines gently slumbering in the vineyard, one might be tempted to think life takes on a slower pace at 2Hawk after the new year. In reality, winter at 2Hawk is a change of pace, but it’s anything but slow!
In the 2Hawk vineyard, summer means shaping and forging the vintage so it can reach its greatest potential. With fruit ripening on the vines and warm temperatures in the air, the vineyard is in full swing, requiring tremendously detailed work to ensure the best possible quality at harvest. This exhausting time of year has its challenges, but it’s also an important time to foster the health, vitality, and unique character of the vineyard.
At 2Hawk Vineyard & Winery, we’re proud of our handcrafted, estate-grown wines. If you’ve visited our tasting room or our online store, you may already be familiar with some of our wines, such as Tempranillo, Viognier, or Malbec—just to name a few. But why do we choose to cultivate these varieties specifically? In this post, we’ll explore how our location influences the types of wine we produce—and why Tempranillo is right at home here at 2Hawk.
Spring is a time of anticipation in the vineyard. It is when the vintage’s crop begins its next stage of development and the potential of a new growing season fills the air. As temperatures rise, the vineyard awakens from its winter slumber and delicate buds begin to emerge from the vines, eventually giving rise to flowers and fruit. This special time of year isn’t without its risks, however—it’s a time of both excitement and watchfulness over the emerging crop.
Fermentation is the process by which grape “must” (a fancy winemaking term for unfermented grapes or juice) transforms into wine. During fermentation, yeast—our microbiological friends—convert grape sugars into alcohol. There’s a lot more than just alcohol production going on, though. Fermentation drives complex chemical reactions that affect the flavor, aroma, and even color of the finished wine.