2024 Spring Release
In dedication of Ace Whetstone...
Spring was his favorite time of year - longer daylight hours and time on the patio warming himself in the sun, vineyard visits during budbreak, and sunset walks with mom and dad.
Dear Friends,
It is with the greatest sadness we write this message to all of you who have loved Ace as much as we have - He passed away on the morning of NYE.
I accidentally found Ace online and knew on a deeper level that he was "the one". As a new puppy was not in the plans or a part of the family discussion, I had to think quickly - I asked Jamey if he wanted to go for a surf in Santa Cruz, and I dropped the news on the drive down. On December 22nd, 2013 Ace came into our lives and changed us as a family forever.
When we opened the Chateau in 2013, Ace quickly began building lovely relationships with all who stepped through the Whetstone door. The hours and hours of cuddles, ear (and rear) scratches, and of course, belly rubs, are too many to count. Ace will be greatly missed by many, but by none more so than his mom; He was my soul mate (sorry Jamey), my protector, my therapist, and my favorite family member (sorry kids). Ace was an old soul... no greater companion and no better friend.
- Michelle
"Ace the GOOOOOOOOD BOYYYYYY!!!" That's what I greeted him with every single time I saw him. He was all that and then some. His energy was silly, needy, playful, loving, hungry, jealous, protective, and sympathetic. He loved greeting each of you at the parking lot (usually with one of his babies in tow) and dining al fresco on the Tasting Room patio with all our guests. Like me, he loved to sneeze, trap gophers, and go for long walks in the vineyard. The cows behind our vineyard HATED Ace; he never knew how lucky he was to have a fence as a buffer. Dogs can be a wonderful salve for all that ails us, and Ace was that in spades for Michelle. As much as I like to think he worshipped his supreme leader (me), he loved Michelle more than life itself.
- Jamey
Spring Release:
A message from Jamey -
Holy cow Harvest 2023 was long and drawn out, with lots of nervous days worrying over fruit getting ripe. The summer was one of the coolest I’ve been a part of since 1998. There were three days where I was thinning fruit myself and remembering how blue collar my chosen profession truly is. Year of the farmer for sure and I couldn’t be more stoked with what we brought into the barn.
For those of you who enjoy the more hedonistic side of my grape growing and winemaking, you’ll be tickled with the ’22s. The 'Catie's Corner' Viognier is loaded with pleasure and for sure should be a shared experience with those you love! The 'Pleasant Hill' Pinot Noir is bang-on Russian River at its finest and will reward cellaring.
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Redding gravelly clay loam soils. 40 degree temperature swings help balance fruit with acidity. 100% Grenache. Wet winter, mild spring and unusually mild summer. Harvested 3.1 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented and aged. Lighter shade of watermelon in color. Ripe nose of ruby red grapefruit, guava, watermelon Jolly Rancher, and citrus peel. Background aromas of tropical fruits. Ripe, focused flavors of green apple, wild strawberry and honeydew melon. Finishes long and bright with hints of ruby red grapefruit.
2022 'Catie's Corner' Viognier
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Sustainably farmed, cool climate site, river cobbles and Goldridge loam soils. Dry winter, mild spring / summer with a bit of rain in June and handful of days in the low 100s. Harvested 3.7 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Barrel fermented in neutral French oak and aged for 16 months sur lees. Golden straw in color. Gorgeously ripe nose of toasted coconut, crème brulee, and apricot. Background aromas of Meyer lemon, banana Runts and licorice. Tangy flavors of dried apricot, mandarin orange, and liquid minerals. Finishes long and lush with hints peach and key lime pie.
2022 'Pleasant Hill' Pinot Noir
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Sustainably farmed, cool climate vineyard site, Goldridge loam soils. Dry winter, mild spring and summer with handful of days in the low 100s. Very low yields, 667 clone. Harvested 1.7 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 25% new oak. Darker shade of garnet in color. Big, expressive nose of blood orange, Bing cherry cola, and orange pekoe tea. Secondary aromas of Chinese 5 spice and plum. Elegant, ripe flavors of plum and elderberry pie. Finishes long with reserved tannins, hints of orange peel and baker’s chocolate.
Feb 7, 2024 at 6:45 AM
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2023 Fall Release
Come As Strangers, Leave As Family...
Dear Friends,
As we celebrate our tenth year open at the Chateau, our immediate thoughts go to all of you who have walked through these doors and celebrated milestones of ours, as well as your own. Throughout the years of growth, challenges, high and lows; you were right there with us. You have given our working life meaning, and we look forward to another decade of making memories with all of you.
With hope and gratitude,
Michelle, Jenna, Alli, Danyel, Dominika, and Ace
A message from Jamey -
'Ten Years Gone'... one of my all time fave Led Zeppelin songs and exactly where we find ourselves in our Napa Chateau and Tasting Salon; Seems insane to me. Every time I take the Oak Tree Expressway to work, I am so grateful Michelle & I did this with all of you. It seriously floors me how many folks have become family by virtue of 1075 Atlas Peak Road. Cheers to all the stoke and energy we feel when sharing a glass!
Fall Release
The 2021 growing season was lovely, with a mild spring and summer. There were a couple of days in the low 100s mid June and early September. Yields were pretty normal.
The Napa Valley Cabernet is delicious now, but will reward those who decide to put it down for a spell. A blend of roughly 78% Cabernet Sauvignon from Coombsville with gravelly loam and alluvial soils and 22% Cabernet Franc from a spot a bit east of the Valley with alluvial soils.
The 'Walala' Pinot Noir continues to be a Burgundian fever dream, for me at least. I get tickled at Mother Nature when she decides to remind me of lessons learned from past farming experience. Pinot Noir is a fickle, fleeting type of lover; Here this morning, gone this afternoon. I had a gut feeling something was amiss up top at Walala 3 days after sampling perfectly ripe fruit. I first learned about temperature (heat) inversion while farming a vineyard for Turley on the tippy top of Howell Mountain. It’s when things stay hot above the fog line at night and you get lulled into enjoying cool foggy mornings down in the valley below. Thank goodness I had a bad dream that woke me up a little after midnight, I made some coffee and drove straight back up to Walala and made the picking call from the vineyard with the sun coming up. 2 Brix jump in 2 days!!!
2021 Pinot Noir, 'Walala', Sonoma Coast
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Located in Annapolis sitting high up on a knoll where you can see the Pacific on a clear day. Soils are a blend of alluvial and Goldridge loam. Mix of Dijon clones 828 & 113. Dry winter, mild spring and summer with handful of days in the low 100s. Normal yields. Harvested 4 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 35% new oak. Dark ruby red in color. Dense nose of bright Bing cherry, cranberry, pencil shavings & mint. Secondary aromas of sarsaparilla and orange pekoe tea. Bold, jammy flavors of Bing cherry pie and ripe plum. Long finish of spicy, wild strawberry, and baker’s chocolate framed nicely with fine tannins.
Cases Produced: 250
Harvest Date: September 8th, 2021
Alcohol: 14.9%
2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
Winemaker's Vineyard Notes: The Cabernet Sauvignon is located in Coombsville, made up mostly of gravelly loam and alluvial soils. The Cabernet Franc is from a spot a bit east of the Valley with alluvial soils. Roughly 78% Cab Sauv and 22% Cab Franc. Uneventful, warm spring and summer with a handful of days in upper 90s low 100s. Normal yields.
Winemaker's Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 22 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 75% new Darnajou barrels. Bottled unfined, unfiltered. Dark purple in color. Deep, rich nose full of red currants, violet, & cassis with hints of bay leaf. Secondary aromas of rhubarb, rose petal, coffee, and tobacco. Bold, ripe flavors of red currants, cassis, blueberry, and baker's chocolate. Loooong finish, framed by supple tannins, pomegranate, a wee bit of tobacco.
Cases Produced: 88
Harvest Dates: Cabernet Sauvignon - September 20, 2021 / Cabernet Franc - October 10th, 2021
Alcohol: 14.4%
Aug 7, 2023 at 12:00 PM
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2023 Spring Release
Eat, Drink, Love
A message from Michelle -
Dear Friends,
We hope you all are enjoying the beginnings of a new year and that 2023 is full of delicious food, great wine, and plenty of harmony!
The end of 2022 found Jamey and I finally taking our 'honeymoon' after 17 years of marriage. As most of you know, we blended families in 2005 with a 3, 4, and 5 year old in attendance on our wedding day. The long, romantic vacation was put on the back burner for 'a little while', we told ourselves. In 2007 we welcomed our fourth child. In 2010 we began renovations on the Whetstone Chateau... 'maybe just a little while longer', we said.
Don't get me wrong, we traveled. Jamey and I enjoyed our quick getaways and we have great memories of family vacations over the years.
2022 found us all able to travel freely again. We enjoyed hearing about all of your adventures and seeing your posts from around the world. Now it was our turn!
Upon our return as the end of 2022 approached, it was time for some reflection; keeping up a 19th century chateau has its challenges. Sometimes, I don't look at it through rose-colored glasses like our guests do. Our time in Europe gave me a whole new appreciation for what we have at Whetstone - leaks, cracks, and all. Worn staircases reminded me of the worn staircase at Whetstone and the thousands of shoes that have given it character over the last 10 years. I was thinking of refinishing them, until Paris...
So, my plans for 2023? More travel (of course), being present (always a work in progress), and seeing things through rose colored glasses (hopefully they come in 2.00 readers) and raising a glass more often with our extended Whetstone family!
Spring Release
A message from Jamey -
So. Much. Rain! Hallelujah!!! After a decade, more or less, of drought conditions, we are turning a corner this winter seeing lots of green growth under vine and snowpack in Tahoe.
More rosé? Heard. We doubled the amount from 2021. Ron Silva farms the Grenache that makes up the 2022 vintage and is a wonderful oracle on all things Lodi. Funny anecdote: Alli, Danyel, Jenna, and Michelle kept coming up with Juicy Fruit as a descriptor. I didn't include it in the "official" tasting notes below, but feel we are all close enough by now to pull back the curtain on our musins, just a little bit.
I'm pretty fired up about the '21s. The Viognier will cellar longer than usual due to some timely acidity stemming from a mild summer. The Pleasant Hill is brimming with exciting nuances of a maturing vineyard.
2022 'Silvaspoons' Grenache Rosé
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Located outside the small Lodi town of Galt. Redding gravelly clay loam soils. 40 degree temperature swings help balance fruit with acidity. 100% Grenache. Dry winter, chilly spring with some frost damage in parts of Lodi. Normal summer with a smidge of rain in early June. Harvested 3.3 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented and aged. Lighter shade of watermelon in color. Very ripe nose of passion fruit, watermelon Jolly Rancher, papaya, and guava. Background aromas of rose petal and Meyer lemon peel. Ripe, delicious flavors of papaya, wild strawberry and Cara Cara oranges. Finishes long and bright with hints of passion fruit and citrus peel.
Cases Produced: 200
Harvest Date: September 9th, 2022
Alcohol: 14.3%
2021 'Catie's Corner' Viognier
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Sustainably farmed, cool climate site, river cobbles and Goldridge loam soils. Dry winter, mild spring and summer with handful of days in the low 100s. Harvested 4.4 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Barrel fermented in neutral French oak and aged for 16 months sur lees. Golden straw in color. GiNORMous nose of ripe peach, pineapple, and banana runts. Background aromas of honeysuckle, tarragon, mint and a hint of licorice. Tangy flavors of Meyer lemon, peach liqueur, and mandarin orange. Finishes long and unusually bright with hints of ginger, liquid minerals and citrus peel.
Cases Produced: 230
Harvest Date: September 22, 2021
Alcohol: 14.6%
2021 'Pleasant Hill' Pinot Noir
Winemaker’s Vineyard Notes: Sustainably farmed, cool climate vineyard site, Goldridge loam soils. Dry winter, mild spring and summer with handful of days in the low 100s. Normal yields, half 667 & half 115 clones. Harvested 7.3 tons.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes: Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 25% new oak. Darker shade of garnet in color. Big, expressive nose of Bing cherry cola, wild mint, cotton candy and red meats. Secondary aromas of Chinese 5 spice and cinnamon. Lush, velvety flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and elderberry pie. Finishes long with silky tannins and hints of ripe plum and caramel.
Cases Produced: 450
Harvest Date: September 14th, 2021
Alcohol: 14.9%
Feb 8, 2023 at 9:00 AM
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2021 Fall Release!
Life is beautiful...
There are no words to express how amazing it has been to reconnect with many of you in person again this year... your conversations and experiences have inspired us! We love to hear how much you enjoy our newsletters and always look forward to receiving your thoughtful messages.
This time, we've decided to highlight some of our favorite words of wisdom, insights, and lessons learned from our collective time under lockdown that you've all shared with us over the past year; with the common theme being "Celebrating the small moments in life". Let this be a reminder to all of us that these lessons be maintained and built upon, to create an even better life than the one before.
- We all learned to be kinder and care for our neighbor, we slowed down, parents spent more time with their kids. We focused more on our physical and mental health and learned to appreciate the things we used to take for granted. Remember how grateful we felt for any random act of kindness from a stranger's smile to a ray of sunshine?
- Spontaneous performances filled us with joy, leaving our house for a walk was a moment to cherish. Smallest victories became a reason to celebrate.
- We kept family closer and made work more flexible. We realized we could be effective and productive making "work" fit into our circumstances rather than adapting our lives to fit a corporate mold.
- Families who were physically together spent much more time with each other. For those separated we relied on a lot of screen time together; checking in, celebrating marriages, anniversaries, births, birthdays and holidays. From virtual tastings, events, weddings, meetings and concerts -- everyone learned to Zoom, and created amazing moments.
- There was a shift to self-care, to give ourselves space and patience, no longer an indulgence but a necessity and priority. With gyms closed we embraced more traditional forms of exercise and the great outdoors; running, biking, walking and hiking.
- The Earth's health improved this last year. We walked more or cycled instead of taking a car or public transportation. We shopped less and had less waste overall as the majority of people were working from home. And the added bonus is that it helped our planet too.
- Realizing how fortunate we are and being grateful for it is an important mindset for recovery. We must remember that our good fortune is an opportunity to lift others up and no success is attainable without the support of a community or movement.
A message from Jamey -
I am listening to The Uplift Mofo Party Plan by the Chili Peppers as I write this. I feel stoked, albeit a bit dated due to the fact the album came out in 1987. I was enjoying my freshman year at Appalachian State University and bought my first mountain bike that year. My entire world changed for the better. The same goes for Whetstone as we release our first ever 2019 Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
I love the Napa Valley more than any place I’ve ever lived. As a business we have always zigged where others zagged but now feel a very sincere need to pay homage to many of my Napa heroes… Barbara Eisele, Robert Mondavi, Al & Boots Brounstein.
Many of you are thinking: “What in the world is happening out in Napa?! Jamey has been our bastion of all things Burgundy and Northern Rhone…” and I always will be. I just stumbled onto something special vineyard-wise and it inspired me to make something out of it. 2020 gave Michelle and I time to talk about 'what's next?'. So stay tuned for more surprises in coming releases!
New Releases:
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Stainless steel fermented, aged 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak (35% new). Bottled unfined, unfiltered. Gorgeous shade of ruby in color. Pretty & floral, with ripe raspberry and mint. Perfumey notes of bay with orange pekoe tea, hints of swiss mocha & forest floor. Medium-bodied flavors of Bing cherry gives way to a long finish of wild strawberry and baker's chocholate framed by fine tannins.
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Stainless steel fermented, aged for 22 months sur lees in 100% french oak (75% new). Bottled unfined, unfiltered. Garnet in color. Big, brambly nose of blackberry, boysenberry, and blueberry with a hint of mint. Background notes of semi-sweet cacao and lavender. Flavors of blackberry, currant, and cassis give way to a long finish of baker's chocolate and fine tannins. Old-world sensibilities abound.
Aug 18, 2021 at 8:00 AM
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Whetstone Endless Summer 2021
Let's get Dad ready for grilling season...
It's summer once again,
which means it's time for Jamey
to swap his Carhartts for his board shorts and
get the grill ready for another round of his famous ribs!
(check out the recipe below)
And nothing pairs better with BBQ ribs
than the perfect Pinot...
To make your backyard BBQ's righteous, check out our special gift packs for that rad dad in your life!
Father's Day Specials
Choose any 3-pack special and include
a gift message in your order notes to
make gifting thoughtful and effortless!
Delicious meals and great bottles
have been keeping our stoke levels high...
Here is Jamey's famous rib recipe to keep you inspired:
CAUTION: This recipe will cause an uproar amongst the slow-cooked, fall off the bone rib folks, and you will be the focus of ridicule and wild speculation as to your lack of knowledge on the subject…until they taste it.
Cheers to sunsets, grillin' outside,
great wine and gnarly waves!
Jun 2, 2021 at 11:47 AM
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2021 Spring Release!
You make us smile...
Most of you kept your sense of humor and charm through 2020, which helped us keep ours! If you have requested an appointment through our website, you may or may not have responded to the last question- 'Tell us something fun about you and your guests'. Most of you sent love notes, check-ins and most importantly, shout outs to Ace and the team. Many of you were celebrating anniversaries, reunions of family and friends, birthdays or just wanted a safe space to spend a sunny afternoon.
We thoroughly enjoyed many of your responses, so much we thought it would be fun to share with the rest of your extended Whetstone family.
Here are the top 10 responses from 2020:
(our reply in parentheses)
Just some girlfriends needing to get some fresh air
after 42 days of homeschooling. (Word!)
The head of the group may always be on the phone.
(As long as it is not on speaker.)
We recently became plant parents.
(Hope you’re are getting enough sleep.)
We're not fun. (We can help you work on that.)
My girlfriend is quite unique be prepared. Her name is Aime.
(We’re a little nervous- how about a private table?)
Maybe I'll come engaged- fingers crossed. :)
(We will try to act natural. Is there a code word?!)
I love Chardonnay, my guest doesn’t really drink wine.
(Great, we don’t make chardonnay.)
I love sea otters and surfing. (So do we!)
Just found red wine is good and grapes. I love swimming in nature.
(I think we understand.)
My friends doesn’t like wine—help me change his mind.
(You are coming to the right place!)
Spring Release...
A message from Jamey -
As I look at a bluebird sitting on our string lights over the Chateau lawn raising hell with the world below, I am reminded how wonderful it will be to welcome all of you back this spring. Days are now longer; we’ve had an extremely mild winter, and we are stoked to enjoy Whetstone wines with you again!
The 2019's are pretty spectacular. I am biased, yes. The 2019 Viognier is exotic, hedonistic, and should have you laughing out loud as you careen into your second glass with some scallops and a squeeze of Meyer lemon. The Pleasant Hill Vineyard seems to taunt me every…freakin’…year… to just try and screw up Russian River Pinot Noir perfection. I did not, btw ;)
So many thanks for all your support. It means a whole lot.
2019 'Catie's Corner' Viognier
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Barrel fermented in neutral French oak and aged for 16 months sur lees. Golden honey in color. Very exotic, perfumy nose full of lychee, apricot, guava and clove. Background aromas of pineapple, peach liqueur, banana runts, and gardenia. Ripe, delicious flavors of pineapple, apricot, and guava. Finishes long and bright with hints of peach liqueur, liquid minerals and
citrus peel.
2019 'Pleasant Hill' Pinot Noir
Winemaker’s Tasting Notes:
Stainless steel fermented, aged for 16 months sur lees in 100% French oak; 25% new oak. Deep ruby in color. Big, expressive nose of Bing cherry cola, chocolate covered oranges and floral jasmine. Secondary aromas of Chinese 5 spice and blueberry pie. Ripe, full-bodied flavors of dark cherry, blueberry and baker’s chocolate. Finishes long with silky tannins and hints of orange peel and ripe plum.
Feb 16, 2021 at 8:53 AM
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Reflecting on 2020...
A message from Michelle -
About a week or so after our first shut down in March, I was asked by a friend - "Can you look at this as a blessing?"
At my age, I have learned to not speak the first thing that comes to mind. I thought about the question and my headspace at that time… confused, scared, frustrated, worried- and after a minute, I simply said. ‘Not yet’.
I hadn’t thought about this conversation until I sat down to write this newsletter and to reflect on the year. How do I feel now? Blessed.
For me, like most of you, it is difficult to see so much suffering and struggle and to give myself permission to find and focus on the good. To speak to it sometimes feels tone deaf but we have to be hopeful and appreciate all the positives 2020 has brought us - perseverance, growth and gratitude.
There were definitely some highs and lows, but here are my top 5 blessings from 2020-
5. Making friends out of acquaintances. For those of you who could, you showed up and shared your friends, family, and homemade treats with us. It has been a pleasure getting to know so many of you better this year. Your friendship, conversation, and encouraging support have been such a bright light for me. For those of you farther away, your cards, emails, calls, and virtual visits kept me connected and grounded.
4. A deeper connection and level of support with my community and our friends in the hospitality industry, especially our restaurant partners. It has been inspiring to see their resilience and grace, their love and passion for what they do under these challenging circumstances. Some of the most memorable meals of my lifetime were had this year.
3. A chance to slow down. More home cooked meals. More walks with Ace.
2. A deeper appreciation for the place I call home, our beautiful property and all the gifts, experiences and relationships our business has provided me.
1. Amazing conversations with my kids. There was a lot to talk about and process this past year. I am grateful for the time with them. Watching them develop their own ideas, opinions and beliefs while navigating their way through 2020, using their own compass.
I always love hearing from you all and am always inspired when I do, so if you would like to share any of your blessings, please drop a note . And thank you, Allison for proposing the question.
My best guess is that we will probably need to remain closed through January or at least most of it. And if you are like me, you may have depleted a bit of your wine stash this holiday season. We have extended our holiday bundles and specials through January if you need some replenishing. We are available any day for curbside pick up too! Just shoot us an email if you want to come by or just want to say hi! Wishing you and yours a very welcomed New Year and sending you all love, hope and peace.
- Michelle Whetstone
Jan 5, 2021 at 9:56 AM
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Fall 2020 Release!
Silver linings...
A message from Michelle -
Dear Friends,
As I write this newsletter, listening to the song "Silver Linings" by First Aid Kit, there are a few lines that standout and are on repeat in my head…
Take me some place where there's music and there's laughter
Gotta keep on going, looking straight out on the road
Can't worry 'bout what's behind you or what's coming for you further up the road
I try to keep on keeping on
Be it for reason, be it for love
I won't take the easy road
A song's never just sad
There's hope, there's a silver lining
Show me my silver lining
While the path is not always straight and life doesn’t always go according to plan, I believe in perseverance, grace under pressure and realizing that a moment that feels like a rejection from something good is actually redirecting us to something better.
So, about those silver linings...
With the closure of Whetstone on March 19th, Jamey and I found ourselves reinventing our business and ourselves once again. On May 31st, we reopened our doors, just the two of us, pouring wine and hosting our guests. You all showed up, shared your stories and reminded us of why we do what we do. Personal and professional growth seems to be the reoccurring theme within all of our households and businesses over the last few months; an awareness of the need to slow it down, take more time with family, more time for ourselves and each other, more time to reflect and with much more gratitude... silver linings.
Jamey and I will celebrate 15 years together this year, a partnership in life, kids, marriage and business. Three out of four kids left the nest earlier this year. Like many of you know with kids, life became more of a blunt and realistic view into what real adulting looks like for them and the reality that we as parents could not hide or protect them from it any longer. But they persevered and figured it out on their own; mature, resilient and able to navigate using their own compass. They are changed by what they have seen and experienced this year, but they are inspired and want to be part of something bigger and better… silver linings.
Mother Nature is the one constant and still in charge as we are heading into our 18th harvest for Whetstone and our fall release. For most of us, there are more dinners at home and more wine being opened than ever before so without further ado, some words from Jamey about our new releases.
Fall release...
A message from Jamey -
With a sincere sense of gratitude and loss of a vineyard I’ve worked with since 2005, we bring forth the last vintage of the Phoenix Ranch Vineyard Syrah. WARNING: This wine is ridiculous on all fronts and will challenge your ideas of what’s possible in New World Syrah; Audacious, brash, full tilt boogie, in need of some taming… all thoughts coming to mind when enjoying this wine. Tragically, 2017 was the year of the devastating fires here in Napa, Sonoma and many portions of California. We were very lucky to have harvested the Syrah two days before the fires began.
The 2018 Walala Vineyard Pinot Noir is a real nice crossover vehicle between Old & New World Pinot Noir. The vineyard shines through the older it gets and the longer I work with it. The power and finesse of this vineyard and resulting wine should be perfect now, but will still reward with many years of cellaring to come.
We humbly thank all of you for your many years of patronage and friendship. Your continued support and encouragement inspire us! We have so much gratitude for the amazing leadership and resilience of our Whetstone team, continuing to define our brand and frankly to just ‘show up for us’ even when it is still anything but business as usual!
Cheers!
Jamey and Michelle Whetstone
Aug 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM
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Whetstone Rosé + Mother's Day
A message from Michelle Whetstone -
As I sit at my dinner table at home with my lap top on a rainy Saturday, our tasting room closed since March 20, contemplating what to write, I thought back to an old spring release letter from 2018. As I read through it, I thought about how much has changed since then (just in the last fews weeks) and how little has changed at the same time. The latter gave me a lot of comfort and peace so I thought I would share some parts of this again with hope that it also brings you some comfort and joy as well.
"There isn't much separation for me between work and home life. I treat work as an extension of my home and making friends out of strangers is one of the most wonderful things about being in this business. I love to hear guests say how comfortable they feel when they walk into Whetstone, as if they'd walked into a friend’s living room.
While the path is not always straight, I believe in perseverance, grace under pressure, and providing a space where women can grow, be their best selves, and empower each other. In a male dominated industry, this is one of the many things that makes Whetstone unique. If you've been to Whetstone and met our team, you know the women I'm referring to. My vision would not be possible without the dedication and thoughtfulness they bring each day."
So this one is dedicated to all the moms out there, to all the friends and family that help us look good and most importantly, the women of Whetstone- Addie, Alli, Jenna, and Lauren who have been more supportive than ever to our family, our business and to the care of all of you, our extended Whetstone family.
Lastly, I must give a nod to my husband for finally making this beautiful rose. The timing could not be better to celebrate spring and to toast all the mothers out there!
the women of Whetstone- Addie, Alli, Jenna, and Lauren who have been more supportive than ever to our family, our business and to the care of all of you, our extended Whetstone family.
Lastly, I must give a nod to my husband for finally making this beautiful rose. The timing could not be better to celebrate spring and to toast all the mothers out there!
Apr 21, 2020 at 11:06 AM
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Spring 2020 Release!
T H E H I S T O R Y . . .
After moving to California in 1998, Jamey was handed the large task of planting, farming, and harvesting hundreds of acres of organic vineyards all up and down the California Coast for Turley Wine Cellars. He was proudly part of the pioneering team that developed their Paso Robles property. By 2002 Jamey was the assistant winemaker at Turley and into his 5th year of wine making.
“It was one of the most exciting times in my life and easily some of the most humbling lessons I would learn where farming and winemaking were concerned. I have yet to experience the level of intense learning I was shoved into for those seminal years. I was so lucky to be there, it was so effing cool, and it was the epicenter of my world."
N E W B E G I N N I N G S . . .
The year 2002 also brought the first vintage of Whetstone Wine Cellars; It was the year Jamey snuck in an opportunity to start choosing his own vineyards and making his own wine. With the help from mentors and friends alike he solidified the vision and style that became Whetstone wines and that still is today.
"I didn't realize back then but I know now that the level of vineyard and winemaking education in my first years in the valley would be impossible to garner in todays Napa. I've said many times that this is a humbling business. What may have started out as an ambitious endeavor to see my own name on a label, quickly became a lesson in perseverance and patience. Someone once said the impossible becomes the possible when your back is against the wall. Larry Turley tried to talk me out of starting my own label, 'Do we really have to do this now?' This was one of the many times over the years Larry would offer his wisdom. After showing him my fledgling business plan with lots of begging and promises he reluctantly said 'Yes'."
That same year Jamey was introduced to Maxime Graillot, son of famed Rhone Valley producer Alain Graillot, and was tasked with keeping him busy and well-fed during the harvest season at Turley. It didn't take long for Jamey to realize this was an incredible opportunity to further develop and broaden his winemaking education in addition to forging a friendship. Maxime accompanied Jamey to his first pick of Whetstone Viognier at the “Catie’s Corner” vineyard and, after listening to Jamey’s rant of how he wanted to do it, Maxime gave Jamey the “keys to Condrieu” which he has used to this day.
T H E P R E S E N T . . .
Fast forward 18 years, it is 2020 and we at Whetstone are still people; real, transparent, not a corporation. We’ve adapted and evolved, but never changed course.
We are a little older, wiser, and living in the present moment by being aware of the here and now. Appreciative and thankful for the life this business has given us.
We honor each experience and are grateful to every person who has been a part of our growth - be it helping with punchdowns or tasting our wines in the bed of the beloved pick up truck - you are the backbone of our brand.
To our wine club members who are really more like family, and to each and every person who walks through our doors on a daily basis - thank YOU for your stoke and enthusiasm, it is for you that we will continue to make great wines!
Whatever your past may be, we are grateful to be a part of your future with our 18th vintage of Catie's Corner Viognier and Pleasant Hill Pinot...
S H O P N E W R E L E A S E S N O W!
Many thanks for your continued support and friendship,
The Whetstone Team
- Michelle, Jamey, Addie, Alli & Jenna
Feb 18, 2020 at 12:54 PM
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