Latest News
Jun 15, 2009
Show your love for Adastra by networking with us socially -- become a "Fan" of Adastra today.
You'll find lots of fun extras on the Adastra Facebook page, from wildlife photos to information about upcoming events. And don't hesitate to let us know what you'd like to see more of by posting on our Wall.
Oct 1, 2007
New look, same great wines
We changed our Web site to a design that incorporates Adastra's new logo. You'll still find all the functionality the site offered before, from wine descriptions to email list signup to a searchable list of closest suppliers -- and, of course, secure e-commerce ordering.
Feedback about the new look? We'd love to hear from you!
Nov 23, 2006
Adastra Winemaker Feted in Thanksgiving Feature Article
Adastra winemaker Pam Starr was the subject of an in-depth feature article by renowned Napa Register wine writer Jack Heeger on Thanksgiving Day. Click here to read what he wrote.
Adastra winemaker Pam Starr was the subject of an in-depth feature article by renowned Napa Register wine writer Jack Heeger on Thanksgiving Day. Click here to read what he wrote.
Nov 1, 2006
With yesterday's harvest of 1.84 tons of Syrah, Adastra's harvest 2006 finally came to a close. Protracted rains early in the year kept the vines cool and delayed the onset of shoot growth. In some years heat spikes speed ripening along, but this year, very hot weather was confined to a few days in July. The vines started slowly and refused to be rushed.
Although heat was not a problem, humidity was. Beginning with later than usual rains, abnormally high humidity continued to be a factor later in the year. This resulted in high rates of botrytis cinerea fungus. This fungus develops as mold on berries and other green tissue. Although botrytis is desirable on grapes for late harvest dessert wines, when it is called "noble rot," it is not desirable on grapes for most other wines, when it is known as plain "rot." To combat botrytis, we made several passes through the vineyard during the growing season to remove botrytisized fruit and ensure only the best grapes were harvested to make wine.
It's too early to say how wines from 2006 will turn out, but so far, we taste reasons to be optimistic.
Although heat was not a problem, humidity was. Beginning with later than usual rains, abnormally high humidity continued to be a factor later in the year. This resulted in high rates of botrytis cinerea fungus. This fungus develops as mold on berries and other green tissue. Although botrytis is desirable on grapes for late harvest dessert wines, when it is called "noble rot," it is not desirable on grapes for most other wines, when it is known as plain "rot." To combat botrytis, we made several passes through the vineyard during the growing season to remove botrytisized fruit and ensure only the best grapes were harvested to make wine.
It's too early to say how wines from 2006 will turn out, but so far, we taste reasons to be optimistic.
Sep 25, 2006
Harvest is still in full swing at Adastra. Longtime family friend Celeste Langstaff, an accomplished photographer, braved the pre-dawn chill on several mornings and put together this nice photo blog.
Taste what the vineyards produce: buy a bottle today!
Taste what the vineyards produce: buy a bottle today!
Aug 1, 2006
We've upgraded our Web site! Among the new features:
Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the new features -- and thanks for visiting!
- Shop Adastra. Browse, select and purchase Adastra wines using a secure order form, from the comfort of your own home.
- Find Adastra Near You. Enter your ZIP code to see restaurants and retailers near you that serve or sell Adastra wines. Or you can browse supplies by state or type.
- Mail List Signup. Sign up to receive our twice-yearly newsletter by email, along with notices about new releases and events in your area.
- News Updates. The latest news from Adastra, posted as it happens.
Drop us a line and let us know what you think of the new features -- and thanks for visiting!
Jul 30, 2006
Adastra Wines recently received certification from the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) and the International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements (IFOAM) -- thereby making official our organic farming practices, which we initiated in 2002. Since mid-1998 Adastra had used no herbicides in its vineyards, and our new certification is testament to our believe that organic farming produces better quality grapes and has a positive environmental impact.
More Adastra history | Taste the difference - buy our wines!
More Adastra history | Taste the difference - buy our wines!
Jul 10, 2006
Adastra has decided to discontinue our (800) number. It was very similar to that for an insurance firm, and calls we received intended for the insurance firm greatly outnumbered calls related to our business. You can still reach us at (707) 255-4818 or drop us a line via email. We apologize for any inconvenience.
