(Foreword by Andreana Gamache)
One of our first explorations at rooted was visiting with JB Neufeld winemaker Justin Neufeld last September (see: Yessiree, it’s wine making time). It was a magical and memorable morning for us. Justin has a clear passion for developing great wine. His discussion with us about the mind to mouth connection, and how thinking about what you’re tasting, feeling and smelling makes your brain wake up, left us all with a clear, quenchable desire to make that connection. We literally left the Gilbert Cellars Hackett Ranch and drove directly to Wray’s Thriftway where we bought every single bottle of JB Neufeld on the shelf.
It doesn’t end there. Something else we love about JB Neufeld is that it truly is a family affair. Justin’s wife Brooke, the B of JB, takes care of the business end (and has infinite patience when the winemaker finds himself in the cellar ’til the wee hours). Their three boys are being raised watching the land change and the fruit develop throughout the season and are as apt to clutch a cluster of grapes as readily as a blankie. In Justin’s own words on reflecting on what it’s like raising his family here, “there is a connectedness to nature and the land that you can’t get somewhere else, and that connection is good for the soul.” Cheers to that!
Brooke and Justin were kind enough to share some of their hard working moments from this harvest season with us. A family truly rooted in the Yakima Valley.
This is the first week of harvest and Justin is all smiles and giving out a big thumbs up.
After dropping off a Costco box of frozen burritos, Justin and Jude check out the gorgeous Cabernet Sauvignon from Artz Vineyards. Justin picked this earlier than the previous years and is really looking forward to seeing the results. He thinks he finally has this fruit dialed in. We will see in three years!
Hands down the best thing about visiting dad at work is the fork lift.
Jude cannot get enough. Must mean the brix are on point.
Justin fixing pumps
I feel really lucky that my boys can visit Justin at work and make memories playing in the orchards, running on the trailers, and eating fruit right off the vine.
The boys love coming out to visit Justin at work and they really do try to help. One day when they are older having three boys will hopefully translate to free and productive child labor. But not so much right now.
Towers of grapes
No more thumbs up, sadly this is only halfway through harvest. I believe Justin is complaining that 4 espresso shots is not nearly enough.
Punch downs can be almost meditative as long as you don’t lose your balance.
This is one of my favorite views of harvest. I always want a straw…
late night labeling
Justin’s hand-stamped labeled bottles
This is our second year getting fruit from this site and Justin is really excited about it. The flavors are well developed and it is such a beautiful view of our valley.
The Neufeld family
Thank you, Brooke and Justin, and your beautiful boys, for sharing your moments with rooted! We are thrilled that you are making delicious wine in the Yakima Valley.
https://youtu.be/MIDqbqabhjk
What a grrreat article and what a FANTASTIC family! There’s no better way to grow-up; loved the pictures. Also loved seeing how JB Neufeld’s oh so delicious wine makes it to Wray’s Thriftway and therefore, my table.