Blue-Merle Winery

05/24/2026

This is a tale of two vines- those on the left, pruned on time this winter, are already showing signs of veraison- the purpling of the grapes - amazingly, almost one month early, from unusual warm, even hot, winter weather. The Grenache block - on the right - wasn’t pruned until April, so baby grape buds are just emerging. In farming, there’s always something. For sure, there will not be one harvest this fall - but perhaps several- which means more harvest celebrations.

05/10/2026

04/19/2026

04/19/2026

02/24/2026

Bluey’s Orchids, like old faithful, blooming 12 years later, recalling joyful memories, same time next year.

01/10/2026

View from the Garden of Perpetual Tears, so named for the weeping cherry trees, now sleeping, as the birds of paradise awaken in full bloom.

12/27/2025

Life doesn’t get better than this. A visit to the incredibly beautiful vineyard and winery of Visit and you’ll understand why it’s designated as a world cultural heritage site. Buon Natale e Boun Anno!

12/03/2025

When I returned home, she greeted me with her sign of approval. In full bloom, the beautiful lady under the moon. Indeed, she was, and is.

11/26/2025

The Bootleggers Express always delivers, even to rural Japan 🇯🇵 in the rain! ☔️ Sing this to the Lumberjack Song: “She’s from Oregon and she don’t care,
She drags her papa from the train through rain.
She’s from Oregon and she don’t care,
From her armpits and legs sprout long hair.”

11/18/2025

Enjoying moist earth and fresh air after 3” of weekend rain. More on the way this week. Welcome gentle rain, welcome.

10/12/2025