Community CRUSH 2013 | pt.1

Typically, the annual Community CRUSH is scheduled for the early weeks of October..

This year, Via Vecchia Winery had a preliminary Community CRUSH that explored a new variety of grape from South America; Chilean Malbec. 
  

Chilean Malbec grapes from Chile

This would be the very first CRUSH to take place in Narnia; an area in the back of the winery that recently became the designated production room for wine. All equipment had been pre-set about a week in advance, including the notorious 12-ft wine trough that would house the traditional stomping. 

Crusher/De-Stemmer Machine

There were separate stations arranged for each task at hand that hosted volunteers, a mix of familiar and new. Throughout the event, people are encouraged to try each job based on their own preference. High-energy music echoes across walls decorated in graffiti, creating a truly unique work environment that welcomes smiling and dancing!

Anyone for Over-Time?

Paolo Rosi, Erica Blinn, Button Le Button, Tony Peluso, Craig Bortmas

Sara, PJ, Shelley

Grapes are emptied out of containers and dumped into large black bins. Volunteers that hand-sort them are advised to remove any low-quality grapes, including leaves or loose material from shipment.

Kai Aleckson, Erica Blinn, Sophia Rosi, Cynthia Rosi

Co-Creators Paolo Rosi and Michael Elmer show their passion for making things happen- After the grapes have been sorted, Michael would lead the black bins up the conveyer to the Crusher/De-Stemmer machine, where Paolo Rosi awaits. Stems are projected out of the side as luscious grape skins and juices make there way down into the massive vat for primary fermentation.

David Chew, Michael Elmer, Paolo Rosi

When about half of the work is done, a family style dinner is provided by Via Vecchia Winery.

Kevin, our neighbor across the street (owner of Frezno's Bar & Grill), graciously accommodated this feast complete with spaghetti, fresh-baked bread and salad.

O - H - I - O

Paolo Rosi, Michael Elmer, Ziel, Ron Minardo

A very sincere thank you goes out to everyone who had been included in pt.1 of Community CRUSH 2013. We accomplished an incredible amount of production in a small amount of time~ Please join us again when we open our doors for Community CRUSH pt.2 and feel free to bring others!

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