Finding the Meaning of the Holidays

Do you remember the Charlie Brown Christmas special where Charlie is depressed because no one knows the true meaning of Christmas? Substitute “Christmas” with our holiday meteor shower party and perhaps you’ll understand why I felt like Lucy pulled the football away as I was trying to kick it. We were fogged out by only a few hours. Timing is everything. (Speaking of which, it’s not too late to have a special bottle shipped for arrival on 12/24).

For me, the true meaning of the holidays and our meteor shower party is to celebrate and say thank you to everyone who helped make 2009 a “beautiful collision” year. We feel truly lucky to squash grapes for you every year. Happy holidays to you and your loved ones!

To drinking well in 2009 and another shot at catching meteors in 2010,

- Elaine

Last Minute Questions and Answers

Is it too late to get a great bottle of wine to share next week?

Shoppers still have time. If you order by 12/21/09, we'll have you order delivered by 12/24/09.

How long are you holding tasting room hours in Emeryville?

During our extended holiday hours, we'll be open everyday through 12/23, 12-6PM or by appointment. We’ll also be open 12/27 - 12/31 from 12-5PM or by appointment.
At Periscope Cellars | 1410 62nd Street Suite B (@ Hollis), Emeryville, CA 94608
Map and Directions | Call 805.238.1241 or email for more info.

Are there any more events in December?

Yes, we have our Gift Wrapping Exchange Event on Sunday, December 20 4:00-7:00PM in Emmeryville.

Are Chabot Space & Science Center events part of my Eden Canyon Vineyards Wine Club membership?

The Eden Canyon Vineyards' annual party is scheduled to be at Chabot in August during the Perseids meteor shower. Chabot is also offering a special membership package to our members- $199 includes your yearly Eden Canyon Vineyards 6-pack Wine Club membership (6 bottles of our 2006 or 2007 "Estate" cab) and a Chabot "Earth Adult" membership. Signing up by 12/31/09 saves you over $50, and benefits include unlimited Chabot visits for a year, exclusive parties and premieres, special pricing, and more. Anyone who renews their Wine Club membership or becomes a Chabot member by 12/31/09 will immediately receive 2 additional "Passport to the Universe" tickets. (They make excellent holiday gifts...) And if would like a higher level of Chabot membership, Eden Canyon Vineyards wine club members will receive a $20 discount towards any membership level. Please call us to sign-up or renew your wine club membership.

Who was the appetizer caterer at the Geminids meteor shower?

Cynthia Bloebaum was the generous chef and instructor who brought the “Green Goddess Dip”
Cynthia Bloebaum |510-444-0828 | email | www.chefcynthia.net

When will my yearly wine club shipment be released?

The 2007 “Estate” cab is scheduled to be released and shipped to our Wine Club members during the week of January 25, 2010. There will be no price increase. More information about its release after the holidays. Can’t wait to share the 2007 cab with you!

What bottle would you give for the holidays?

A Snowflake and Jolie is our special holiday gift. Jolie is an easy food pairer and it’s hard to go wrong with snowflakes. We have less than 30 cases of our "Presente" for sale so that’s definitely a last call gift item. Can’t go wrong with any of our “Estate” cabs. Or give them and yourself a gift by purchasing a Wine Club Membership. For each gift membership, we will send you a thank you gift such as a snowflake bottle stopper, wine notes book, or a Chabot "Passport to the Universe ticket". The ultimate gift (that I’d want someone to give me)- a Wine Club membership plus Chabot membership for $199.

Order a special bottle online or call 805.238.1241.

Timing is Everything When Harvesting Grapes or Meteors

Imagine planning a grape harvest (or in our case, last Sunday’s meteor shower) for months and getting rained out. The 2009 harvest season ended with tropical storms making their way to California. Timing was on our side- we harvested before the rains came. Mother Nature was very kind to us.

The 2009 Geminids were similar. We were all excited when our event got the green light. The weather conditions seemed ripe- dark skies with little moonlight interference, and the Geminids would peak early at 9:00PM with 100-120 meteors dazzling us with its multi-colored ionization trails. Our website traffic went up 1500% and this event was the largest attended event we’ve ever had.

Mother Nature had other plans- rain and fog. We all drank, ate, had great company, but us skywatchers didn’t get to harvest the meteors before the rain. It was a bummer, but you have to respect Mother Nature's will. Thank you to the 100+ who made the trek, hoping that the weather would clear in time. (Photo right: Snow at Chabot, days before the event.)

When I came back home to the vineyard, I looked to the part of the sky that Chabot Astronomer Conrad Jung taught us to look at for the Geminids. I saw a few meteors whiz by. Mother Nature has always been good to the vineyard. But I would have much rather watched the meteors with the Chabot crowd. I guess just like grape harvests, there are meteor showers every year.

For all the people who made the trek to Chabot for the Geminids, we’ve got your email addresses. Next year, we’re going to plan for the Perseids in August, either at Chabot or the vineyard, depending on the weather. When you get the invite, be sure to RSVP and you’ll get free admission to the next meteor watching attempt. You earned it!

 

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