Something Different this Harvest!

The theme for Flying Goat Harvest 2026 was something new and different. Winemaker Norm Yost had the opportunity this harvest to work with a new custom winemaking client, Spotted Horse Vineyards located in the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA. Palos Verdes is a peninsula with an ocean breeze very similar to Santa Barbara County.  In June 2023, the federal government approved the Palos Verdes Peninsula AVA as one of the country's newest wine growing appellations. 

This custom winemaking project provided Norm with an opportunity to work with some Bordeaux grape varietals, such Cab Franc, Merlot and Saint Macaire. Norm had to rely on some old winemaking techniques from his winemaking days in Napa Valley. Working with Bordeaux grapes requires a different winemaking regime compared to producing elegant Pinot Noir wines. The Cab Franc was recently racked to barrels and looks and tastes great; the other two varietals will be racked to barrels in the next week.

Photo with hand is Saint Macaire grape clusters.

The photo below is the Saint Macaire grape clusters and Cab Franc in the fermenter.

The photo below is Cab Franc in fermenter.