Sorpresa Felice Vintners

 Our first vintage of 2004 Sorpresa Felice Cabernet Sauvignon began its life in the barrel on October 23, 2004.  We harvested 1300 pounds of Bill's grapes on September 25, with the help of our small but dedicated crew. After a month of fermentation, innoculation, and monitoring, our first cabernet was pressed and poured into poly barrels on its way to this American Oak barrel.

The name of our winery, Sorpresa Felice, is Italian for "Happy Surprise," which we hope to be the result of our first experiment in wine-making.  On entering our first vintage in the Alameda County Fair, we learned that our first "Happy Surprise" was a bronze award in the amateur category, pictured below.
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                      In the barrel, October 23, 2004              A Bronze award!

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                       "Superbowl Sunday Barrel Tasting" — February 6, 2005
The first four stages in the life of Sorpresa Felice.

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Sorpresa Felice Vintners
— 2006 Cabernet Sauvignon

 After a brief excursion into a small batch of 2005 Italian "Zinfandel Primativo," our 2006 Sorpresa Felice Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on October 21, 2006, at 23 brix.  It was aged 10 months in oak and was bottled on September 15, 2007.  Images below document our second major vintage.

Harvest Day: October 21, 2006
 
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                The Sorpresa Felice Executive Picking Team
          
 
          
                                          The Crush
                              
                                         The product
Sorpresa Felice Vintners
— 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon

One year to the day from last year's harvest, details of the 2007 harvest are coming soon . . . 

Harvest Day: October 21, 2007