2024

JULY

Season Update

The difference a year makes is truly amazing! Our vineyard has advanced so much since last year. Last July, we were just wrapping up bloom, and now, thanks to the warm weather, we’re witnessing such wonderful growth and fruit development.

We are currently leafing in the vineyard which is important to do now in the earlier development phase of the grapes. It exposes the fruit to the sun so that the grapes will acclimate to the sunlight and be more resilient against sunburn later in the season. It also allows more airflow to the grapes which helps prevent mildew or botrytis from taking hold. (Botrytis is a fungus, it’s also known as grey mold. It’s common in many types of plants but it particularly likes grapes) In addition to staying on top of all thing’s grape growing we are busy blending and bottling the 2023 wines. It was a great growing season last year and the wines will highlight the best aspects of making wines in a “cool climate” such as the Russian River Valley.

Ron Rubin Estate Vineyard
Select leaves have been removed from the canopy to allow dappled sun exposer to the young Pinot Noir grapes.

Alvaro Zamoro

From the beginning of our publishing of these winemaking notes Alvaro Zamoro has been mentioned countless times. Alvaro has been working for River Road Family Vineyards and Winery since the late seventies. He was hired as the first full time vineyard employee by the Mills family who started the winery. According to Gary Mills “he was the hardest worker, the one always out in front”.

 Ron Rubin Estate Vineyard
Alvaro tending the vines in front of the winery.

He went on to help plant and develop our current Estate vineyards twenty-four years ago. He has been working and caring for the vines ever since. We are extremely appreciative of Alvaro’s constant effort and all the years he has worked here growing the best grapes possible! His daily contributions to the vineyard cannot be overstated. After many years, Alvaro has decided to retire. Alvaro’s enthusiasm will be greatly missed, me and my team have learned a great deal from him. I’d like to take the opportunity to personally thank him and wish him and his family the best of luck going forward into this phase of his life. Thank You Alvaro!

Ron Rubin Estate Vineyard
Rain or shine, Alvaro tended to the vines like they were his babies!

On behalf of the entire team here at River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, we wish you all continued good health!