The first signs of spring always makes my heart sing. Now please don’t get me wrong. I love living on my families farm and feel lucky to enjoy all four seasons. In fact-longing for the coming season is a very hopeful reach for me on my hardest days most uncertain days on the farm. As you know absolutely everything is out of our control. Including the weather, global market, fuel prices, world conflicts, supply chain issues and labor shortages. This winter has felt rich in answered prayers and wild hope thankfully. I am grateful
I want to introduce you to our wine maker the Grateful Vineyard. Ali Mayfield is an independent winemaker based in Walla Walla, WA. Mentored by the late Stan Clarke, she completed the viticulture and enology program at Walla Walla Community College in 2007. Ali has honed her craft at Long Shadows Vintners, Corliss Estates, and Tranche Cellars, working alongside winemakers such as Gilles Nicault, Kendall Mix, and consultant Claude Gros.
As consulting winemaker at Foundry Vineyards, Ali's first vintage of 2011 Chardonnays earned scores of 92 and 94 (Editors Choice) from the Wine Enthusiast - among the highest Chardonnay scores garnered by a female winemaker in Washington State. The 2011 Stainless Chardonnay was also listed as one of Wine Enthusiast's "2013 Top 100" wines.
Focusing on small-lot, handcrafted wines, Ali is passionate about every step of the winemaking process. Her "leave no stone unturned" approach begins by hand-picking vineyards and constant, thoughtful care of their fruit. As she puts it, "Constantly striving to be better, pushing your boundaries, taking risks...that's how you create beautiful wines."
We are so delighted to have her on our team and look forward to releasing our wines soon.
Good news-Carlos the steer made it through another long winter and has been enjoying the sunshine and his salt lick. He is 23 years old this year and we are so thankful to have him on the farm as our adorable mascot. Walking down to say hi to him if a big part of everyones experience when they come visit the farm/vineyard so if you have never met him ask someone at Grateful to point you in the direction of Carlos our beloved steer.
farming with this amazing man has been a wild dream come true
We are grateful for another year to plant and believe for a harvest of food, flowers and fermented sips on the farm. Thank you for your continued support and back of our small family farming dreams. xo your grateful farmers, Katrina and Kenny.