All Things Chap, Some Things Daddy
Let’s face it. There are a lot of people out there who know way more than The ChapDaddy about choosing a trellis from the dozen or so options available. Geneva Double Curtain? Sounds like something from IKEA, but sure, why Continue reading The Backyard Vineyard: Choosing a Trellis
Grape vines are not tomatoes. Grape vines prefer a healthy struggle for survival, at least when it comes to the soil they inhabit. In fact, the best grapes come from vines that actually have to work for a living, not Continue reading The Backyard Vineyard – Soil Preparation
Your backyard vineyard site selection is complete. You’ve ordered some grapes. Ideally it is still late summer/fall before the winter arrives. What should you do now? Your priorities before planting – ideally the summer/fall before your anticipated spring planting – Continue reading The Backyard Vineyard – Layout
Let’s be honest – your trellis construction, pruning skills, and blending techniques are meaningless without a quality backyard vineyard site selection. Site selection is the most important decision for your backyard vineyard operation. It is the foundation for everything that Continue reading The Backyard Vineyard – Site Selection
Your author experienced his first grape harvest in a small Georgian village called Nukriani on the outskirts of famed Signaghi. The process was incredibly simple. We arrived mid-afternoon on a sunny September day with a light breeze. The vineyard owner, Continue reading The Backyard Vineyard – The Tipping Point
“We make our wine from the womb of the earth.” That is how a Georgian friend once described the Georgian winemaking process. Many visitors to Georgia will leave it at that – a catchy, unique phrase that might fit perfectly Continue reading The Georgian Qvevri
Mention the word “Borjomi” anywhere in the Caucasus region and you’re likely to get an aggressive response – either an emotional display of support, or a disgusted gesture of rejection. This has nothing to do with the region, though – Continue reading Borjomi National Park: Panorama Trail
Georgians and Americans have a lot of things in common. First, we both seem to have an intense, almost excessively intense, sense of patriotism and love of country. This becomes very evident when talking to most Georgians. Second, we both Continue reading Mtsvadi (Georgian BBQ/Pork Shashlik)
Of all the wild mountain regions of Georgia, Tusheti is the wildest. Tucked into the far northeast reaches of Georgia along the Chechnya border, Tusheti delivers again and again on its reputation for dangerous roads, stunning terrain and passionate people. Continue reading Tusheti – Shatili to Omalo
The Lower Loop Kakheti, the region encompassing the Alazani Valley, is the “wine basket” of Georgia. It is like the Napa Valley, but without the snooty people, outrageous prices, and weak pours. My kind of place and my kind of Continue reading Kakheti