Hey everyone, it’s Keith Saarloos, and right now, we're deep in the heart of harvest. For 364 days, we’ve worked for this one moment—to pick the fruit by hand, in the dark, on steep terraces that take courage just to stand on. This is the day we gather what we’ve grown, what we’ve fought for, and turn it into wines that make their way to your table. The 2024 Harvest Allocation is more than wine—it’s our family’s legacy in a bottle. Each wine in this shipment tells a piece of our story, and we’re honored to share it with you. Here’s what’s in this year’s lineup: The Family Tree - https://saarloosandsons.com/available... – A GSM blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, all grown on our estate. This wine is our roots, our branches, and our family’s soul—six different vines, six personalities, each one like a family member around the table. It’s complex, unique, and completely irreplaceable, representing everything that makes us who we are. Courage - https://saarloosandsons.com/available... – A tribute to my great uncle John Saarloos, who fought on D-Day and helped keep our family together. His courage paved the way for us, and this wine is a testament to that strength. It’s a 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon—our first vintage without my dad at the helm. Courage isn’t always about knowing you’ll succeed; sometimes, it’s just about showing up and letting the courage come after. We make this wine in John’s honor, and I hope it carries his legacy forward for another 80 years. Honor and Prepare - https://saarloosandsons.com/available... – Our family creed: “We live to honor those that came before us and prepare the way for those yet to come.” This is our Petit Syrah, embodying what drives us every day. We’re here because of the work and sacrifices of generations past, and every bottle we make is our way of building something worthy of passing on. Every bottle in this allocation is a celebration of family, grit, and gratitude. We don’t sell in stores, we don’t sell in restaurants, because we choose to sell directly to you. You’ve chosen us, and we don’t take that lightly. So, as you gather around the table with family and friends, open these bottles, and drink to the stories, the strength, and the spirit of the Saarloos family. This is what it’s all about. We live to honor those who came before us and to prepare the way for those yet to come. Cheers to you, from our family to yours.

Summary:
In this episode of An Idiot's Guide to Life, host Keith Saarloos interviews Don Felipe, a legendary figure in the Santa Ynez Valley wine community. They discuss Don Felipe's journey from Mexico to the valley, the early days of grape planting, and the evolution of the local wine industry. The conversation dives into the significance of family legacy, the challenges of farming, and the bright future of wine production in the valley. Don Felipe shares wisdom on sustainable farming practices and the passion that fuels the industry.

Takeaways:

• Don Felipe has played a crucial role in shaping the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry for over 50 years.
• The early days of grape planting were marked by hard work, uncertainty, and persistence.
• Farming is a labor of love, with rewards and challenges.
• The valley has evolved from horse farms to a renowned wine region.
• Patience and dedication are key to successful farming and winemaking.
• Family legacy is central to the industry’s heart and tradition.
• The corporate influence in wine production can undermine quality and passion.
• The unique climate and geography of the valley elevate its wine quality.
• Great wine starts with great grapes.
• The future of the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry remains promising if small producers continue to focus on quality.

Sound Bites:

• "We live to honor those that have come before us."
• "Don Felipe is a big reason why my kids eat."
• "You can make a bad wine from a good grape."

This podcast episode, titled The Night Before Harvest, captures the raw and emotional reflections of Keith Saarloos as he sits in his truck, preparing for the first harvest of the year at Windmill Ranch. Keith’s words are filled with anticipation, nostalgia, and personal growth, blending reflections on his family, the passing of his father, and the legacy they built together. He weaves memories of past harvests with the present moment, drawing parallels between winemaking and life’s journey.

Keith talks about how every vintage represents an entire year of work, effort, and care, emphasizing that wine is not just a beverage but a reflection of time and experience. He also shares the bittersweetness of continuing the family tradition without his father, acknowledging the hole left by his absence but finding strength in moving forward. His thoughts oscillate between excitement for the future and longing for the past, all while remaining deeply grateful for the life he’s chosen.

The episode is a testament to Keith's deep emotional connection to the land, the harvest, and the people who share in the journey, ultimately celebrating the beauty of creating something lasting and meaningful through his family’s legacy of winemaking.

Key moments include:

• Keith’s reflections on 26 years of harvests and the anxieties that accompany the anticipation of each one.
• The vivid memories of working side by side with his father, sharing stories that have become part of the family’s fabric.
• The realization of how his children, Brielle and Cash, are growing into their own lives, marking the passage of time.
• The overwhelming gratitude Keith feels for the journey, the struggles, and the sense of fulfillment that winemaking has brought him.

The episode closes with Keith’s hopeful words as he looks ahead to picking the grapes, knowing that each harvest is a moment of both personal and collective significance.