”
Why are there rose bushes planted at the end of vineyard
rows?
”
The question was posed to Thomas Kruse, owner of the Gilroy
winery that bears his name.
“Why are there rose bushes planted at the end of vineyard rows?” The question was posed to Thomas Kruse, owner of the Gilroy winery that bears his name. The question came from a group of students – actually wine lovers – who were wandering through the 12-acre estate and listening to everything the “professor” had to say. Any question asked was quickly answered with great lucidity and a gentle voice.
“Rose bushes were planted at the end of vineyard rows because the flowers would be quick to show if a high amount of mildew was present. Seeing this on the flowers, the caretaker of the vineyard would know it was time to spray more sulfur on the grapes,” Thomas answered.
Thomas and Karen Kruse have been working in the wine business since 1971. Their operations were located off Hecker Pass Highway for many years, but a few years ago, they moved the business to the foothills of east Gilroy.
On this particular day, the Thomas Kruse winery was holding its “Cork Your Own Wine” event, a popular activity that is held about six times a year. Thomas was even apologetic when he mentioned that this event was missing its traditional component of live music.
“I did not come up with this idea of letting people cork their own wine, but it fits the style of our winery,” he said.
What is the style of the Thomas Kruse winery? “It is what it is,” Karen said. “We are a small operation that has no wine club, no Web site and no budget for advertising. We have a mailing list that people can sign up on to get updates about the winery and word-of-mouth from our family and friends.”
This was evident from a few of the dozens of happy customers who were enjoying the day, despite the chilly rain that kept most folks inside.
I approached Andy Ordons, who was there sipping wine and snacking on appetizers. I asked what brought him to the event and inquire about his favorite wine.
“I am not a qualified expert, but I do know what I like,” he said. “I like the wine, and I like the good people here.” Andy confessed to being a bargain hunter and said he thought the wine at Thomas Kruse was definitely a bargain.
Alene Arribere first came to the Thomas Kruse winery about a year ago. She was so impressed with how things were run in such a down-to-earth fashion that she asked if the Kruses needed any help. Thomas told her to come in the next day, and Alene now works in the tasting room once a month.
“Tom and Karen want the staff to be energized and enthusiastic. If you work too often, it becomes just that – work, not a passion,” Alene said.
The Cork Your Own Wine event featured a blend of four different barrels of 2004 estate cabernet sauvignon, affectionately called Claire’s Field Red after the vineyard’s precious retriever, Claire. The wine was filtered and connected to a bottling machine that could simultaneously fill five bottles at a time. Once the bottles were filled, one could slide over to the corking machine and, with a press of a foot lever, effortlessly cork a bottle. Each filled bottle cost $5.
This was the second time Morgan Hill resident Joe Dowd had come to the event.
“I had a desire for a small backyard vineyard and to eventually make my own wine, but I really did not know how to get started,” Joe said. He sought the help of Thomas, who was more than glad to lend his expertise.
“Tom would come over and tell me the things I needed to do to maintain the vines and keep things healthy,” said Joe, who has 130 vines of planted chardonnay, petite syrah and zinfandel.
Thomas Kruse Winery produces about 2,500 cases a year and has a number of wines available for sale. The 2003 estate zinfandel has nice tannins, fruit and pepper flavors for $12 a bottle. There is a 2003 estate merlot and a 2003 estate cabernet sauvignon, both for less than $15.
An interesting dessert-style wine is the 2004 apricot wine, made with apricots that come straight from the orchard on the Kruse’s property. It is sweet but not overly done. The wine is balanced with hints of honey and lemon. It’s recommended with dark chocolate, as a drizzling over vanilla ice cream or even to be made into a light sorbet. Each half-bottle is $7.
How to Buy It
Thomas Kruse wine can be purchased directly at the winery, 3200 Dryden Ave. in Gilroy. Or, call (408) 842-7016 or e-mail kr*******@ao*.com
Wine Events
– Guglielmo Winery’s Cork Equity Day 10am-3pm today
– Clos La Chance Winery Fireside Fridays: 5-8pm March 3, 17 and 31
– Solis Winery Merlot Madness, March 11-12
Bottle of the Week
Pietra Santa Vineyards
& Winery, Hollister
Wine: Vache chardonnay (2003)
Price: $35 per bottle
Why: The wine is being released tonight as part of an exclusive wine club event at the winery. The wine features a taste of green apple, is crisp, with a hint of melon. It pairs well with chicken, halubut, white fish.
Where: The wine is available at the winery, 10034 Cienaga Road in Hollister. Call (831) 636-1991.
