Rain, Rain Go Away, Bring Me Fumé Any Day

I woke up to something completely new today, blue skies and sunshine. Hallelujah! This is the first we've had in days. Actually, I can't recall the last time we've had so much rain late in the season. Everyone has been talking about it, and trust me, it hasn't been good.

But, here at the winery we're not letting it get us down. As a matter of fact, we're gearing up for a great summer with the 2010 release of our flagship white wine, Fumé Blanc. She's all dolled up in a snazzy new package that flaunts a clear bottle and a completely redesigned label. The sailboat imagery is still very prominent but it's been freshened up for a more modern, youthful feel. Of particular note is the innovative QR code on the back label. With a click of your smart phone, you can view a short video about the making of this wine and the history of Fumé Blanc here at Dry Creek Vineyard. You can hear founder (my father) Dave Stare tell his story and meet the next generation too...even if you're in a grocery store in Arizona, or a restaurant in Boston. Pretty cool, eh?

Who would have known that technology like this exists? When we first started the project last year, we were among the first. I'm now seeing QR codes pop up on everything from flowers at Home Depot to furniture advertisements in House Beautiful.

What's particularly amazing is that we can "redirect" the link (currently it points to the YouTube video below) to somewhere else. So, for example, if Robert Parker proclaims this wine "a stand out of the vintage" and a "95 pointer", (not sayin' it's gonna happen, just putting it out there!) then before you can say, "let me buy a case!", our brilliant marketing team can redirect the link to a PDF flyer of the review. Since Parker hasn't reviewed our wines in years, I doubt that will happen. But, you get the point.

Watch for more QR codes on upcoming releases. But most importantly, watch for the availability of this wine in a location near you. It's brilliant. Really. The cool weather of the 2010 vintage brought out the racy lemon/lime flavors, bright acids and herbaceous nuances to make a wine that is oh so refreshing, you will almost think it's summer.

Which thankfully, it finally is beginning to resemble.