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The Final Touches

Whitehall Lane — Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:17:11 +0000

The Final Countdown

Whitehall Lane — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:41:47 +0000

As much needed rain begins to fall, a sigh of relief echoes through the Napa Valley– humming past her sleeping vines and gold freckled fields of mustard.
At Whitehall Lane there is even more cause for glee. We are in the final stages of our new addition. Woo Whoo!! I’m fairly certain my co-workers match my enthusiasm here.
And in these closing stages, my smile grows. The shaking, rumbling, and yelling into the phone will soon be a distant memory. With the days of exploration and discovery yet upon us…

New tanks cause quite the stir

Whitehall Lane — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 23:57:00 +0000

On September 10th Precision Crane Service, Inc. delivered three shiny, new, 3,000 gallon tanks. These double gated tanks joined the 12 others already in the courtyard. With this new equipment our winemaker and his crew are given more options. For example, they have the ability to separate the vineyards into different tanks as they pick. Overall this will make it easier for them to manage the facility during harvest.
As soon as I heard those brakes squeech to a halt my head was up, then with camera in tow I went. I just had to see how this gigantic hydraulic truck crane was going to fit in the already heavily equipped construction zone/harvest crush pad. It was quite the event. Probably the best part of it all was watching Foreman’s Tom Jr. and Dean managing this exceptionally crowded space. Good job guys, it sure wasn’t an easy task.
How much more can we do at once here at Whitehall?
Let’s see…
-Half ton grape bins check
-Sorting table check
-Pressing check
-Construction workers check
-Forklifts check
-Electrician’s check
-Welder’s check
-50-ton Hydraulic Truck Crane check
I’m glad all I had to do was stand back, way back, and take these photos:

The courtyard itself is really starting to come together. The catwalks are up and the stairs are complete. That mobile bridge that I have been hearing about will sure be nice for the cellar crew. These photos are still a little dark. Those many, many lights have yet to all be installed. But at least you get the idea.

Harvest is here!!

Whitehall Lane — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 18:52:51 +0000

Harvest is here and as you can see in these photos, the construction workers are still here too. We were way too optimistic thinking that we would have the first construction project in Napa Valley to actually finish on-time and under budget! You just can’t argue with the fire department especially when it seemed most of California was ablaze.
So, in the last week we moved a few things around, made the crush pad off limits to the construction crew and got back to what we do best…making wine.
Dean is loving the covered and expanded crush area. There is ample room for sorting grapes and every bin of grapes that arrives now rests in the shade before being dumped, sorted, destemmed, sorted some more and ever so gently made into wine. Thus far we have seen a little Pinot Noir and the Sauvignon Blanc is coming in ripe and juicy! Being new to the process, I’m amazed at how many grapes there are. They taste sweet and delicious and I would eat a whole bunch if it weren’t for the seeds and my boss!
As for the construction progress, it continues. The fire sprinklers should finally be going up and we expect stucco soon. The crew promises not to get in our way and we have reminded them…if we can’t make wine, we can’t pay the bills!

Another teaser….

Whitehall Lane — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 20:38:41 +0000

Even through the smoky haze that has been much of California in these recent weeks, progress here at WLW is clearly visible. The elevator shaft has been formed. The wine goblet shaped windows have been cut. The walk-around deck railings are in place. The sun is shinning through the sky light. Rather, more accurately, the construction workers are passing through the sky light. Man, I sure can’t wait to see the final result because even in this hard-hat state it’s an impressive sight.

Exciting Progress

Whitehall Lane — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 18:56:05 +0000

With harvest just around the corner, I’m happy to report that construction is progressing nicely and the timeline is being met. (Phew!) Nevertheless our winemaker, Dean Sylvester, can be seen pacing the crush pad with a wrinkled brow. But even as calculations and assessments whirl through his mind, he is never without a friendly smile and a pleasant ‘hello.’
Still it’s hard not to feel the anticipation in the air as harvest approaches. To quote the always entertaining, infectious Marko, “The excitement is building!”

No ladder necessary

Whitehall Lane — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 18:18:52 +0000

The second floor is underway. Soon we will be able to entertain our friends, Wine Club members and industry supporters. This VIP experience begins with an elevator ride up to your private floor. From this perch, overlooking our estate vineyard, you will be able to enjoy your private wine tasting in an intimate setting. Here’s a sneak peak …

Fiddler on the Roof

Whitehall Lane — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:44:02 +0000

On May 14th the the dangerous task of assembling the roof began. With the aid of scaffolding, harnesses, and ropes the construction workers really hung around those days. Yes, I know, terrible joke. In actuality the roof went on rather quickly. Check out the progress.

Building Blocks

Whitehall Lane — Tue, 06 May 2008 18:17:28 +0000

Today the outside wall began to take shape. They begun laying down the 4 foot high cinder blocks that will become the bottom of the outside structure. The remainder of the wall, from the cinder blocks up, will be insulated metal. Man they sure planned ahead. After all I wouldn’t trust my forklift driving skills either. What a site that would be… A forklift sticking through the side of our brand new barrel room with a panic stricken blonde in the drivers seat. Oops!

A Building Is Emerging…..

Whitehall Lane — Thu, 01 May 2008 22:27:51 +0000

After months of what seemed as if the construction project was on delay, progress is coming along quickly. On April 30th the steel beams for the Infrastructure went up. And in what seemed like the blink of an eye, a steel structure emerged.