Galante Vineyard, Blue Skies Smilin’ at Me
Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothin’ but blue skies do I see
Blue days, all of them gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on
Irving Berlin wrote the words in the 1926 and Willie Nelson made it the number one country hit in 1978. With blue skies above, the Knights of the Vines Fall Event gave thanks to the cowboy in all of us, and the fine wines of the Cowboy extraordinaire host vineyard, Galante . Greg Vita, winemaker since the early days of Galante poured and answered questions regarding the historic ranch, about the climate in Carmel Valley, upcoming harvest and his love of fly fishing. His ancestors as well as the Galante stock are native to the area, living on the family ranch purchased in the 1920’s south of Carmel in Big Sur.
Under blue cloudless skies in the heart of Carmel Valley, a lone hawk observing far above, musicians Terry Shehorn and Andrew Johnson invited the scion of Galante Vineyards, John Galante, to join them on vocals and guitar. The rendition of this classic country tune carried over the guests who marveled at the landscape that produces some of the finest wines in California. A much needed tent provided shade in the 100 + degree heat and housed the trio who entertained over 80 KOV guests during the afternoon of relaxed enjoyment. Gigantic ladies straw hats, colorful patterned sundresses and cowboy attire abounding, we sipped a crisp 2012 Sauvignon Blanc and dined on a bar b que cooked by the owner himself, Jack Galante. Never one to sit, this gracious host cooked and served with a restful moment only to listen to his son’s musical talents and give a true hug to the love of his life, partner Dawn Galante. Jack is at once a larger than legend powerhouse of knowledge about his home town, the best Cabernet and how to bar b que the perfect leg of lamb. His community spirit, true love of wine and his intense love of his children, five between he and his beautiful wife Dawn, draw you in. And you are not to be disappointed!
With cattle ranching roots deep in the Carmel area, Jack’s parents purchased the 700 acre ranch in 1969 and planted grapes in the early 1980’s. Jack’s great grandfather, J.F. Devendorf, founded Carmel and built the prestigious Pine Inn and Highlands Inn. Jack is a wine maker, historian, bon vi vant cigar lover and knows what it means to create a legacy of dynamic Cabernets, Pinots and a Malbec to rival our South American imports. The 2010 Rancho Galante Cabernet Sauvignon and Ace High Malbec 2009 were amongst the most popular being escorted home to wine racks for imbibing in the very near future.
Roasted tri-tip and a killer salmon were presented alongside grilled asparagus, squashes and red onions. The red checkered table clothes boasting huge smiling faces of sunflowers in a cowboy hat vases, created a collision course of relaxed fun in the mid August pre Harvest lull. What else but an old fashioned American strawberry shortcake to finish a terrific meal?
Some chose to sit with legs and feet in large buckets of cold water amidst freshly cut floating bay leaf and grape branches while other KOV friends followed Jack and his wine maker wife, Dawn, into the cellar for a tour thru time. The fortress cellar is built into the hill behind the winery and houses Jack’s collection , renown and wide. The years are all represented and each bottle has a story. And Jack remembers all of the stories! His wide personality draws you in with warmth and knowledge. The twinkle in his eye and ready laugh makes you feel at home with the legend.
Under the care of Greg and long time ranch manager Eliud Ortiz, 5,000 cases a year are produced. Knights of the Vine laughed and learned under the blue skies of the Carmel Valley about what it takes to be a classic, a family tradition and to simply strive for the best. There were nothin’ but blue skies from then on!