Chris Bratcher had a terrible accident this week while working harvest. He makes his wines out at Arcadian and I know several on the board have enjoyed them. They’re having a wine sale/food etc out at the tasting room in the Lompoc Wine Ghetto this weekend- if you’re up there please check it out. Or if you enjoy the wines call and order.
http://www.bratcherwinery.com/
I really don’t know what to say. When I was a kid I worked my way through school working in the oilfield, so I’ve seen plenty of awful stuff, I just don’t associate that with wine though. Poor guy, what a shame.
A week ago last Friday we tasted there. Damn.
Bruno’s account of the event is pretty harrowing stuff. He and his crew really kept their cool in a tough spot.
One more note- I don’t see the 2010’s on the website, but I know they’ve got some. The 2010 Jane Madison Pinot Noir, Santa Maria Valley is excellent.
Wishing him a quick recovery; can’t imagine the pain he must have endured.
Morgan Clendenen posted about this on FB but didn’t mention him by name. Terrible. She is close to Bruno and Kris Curran.
Matt as you know I am a huge fan of Chris and his wines. I tasted from barrel with Chris and Joe at the beginning of August…the wines that Chris has in barrel are stunning (especially his 11 pinots!). I opened an 09 La Encantada tonight that was nothing short of spectacular. I checked in on Chris via text message and he is in great spirits and is definitely planning on continuing to make wine.
Pulled an 09 La Encantada from the locker this morning and will probably open tomorrow. Love his Chards as well. Best wishes to Chris.
It was so sad to hear about Chris’ accident. It could have been even worse if it Bruno and the others on the scene had not acted as fast as they did. Working with winemaking equipment always presents a risk, and made me extra-cautious working with our destemmer today. Wishing Chris and his family the best, and hope he makes a quick recovery.
A couple of friends and I tasted with Chris early last year at the Lompoc Wine Ghetto - had a great time with him and liked his wines quite a bit.
Arcadian Winery / Bratcher Winery
had a great time with Chris last summer and quickly joined their mailing list. love their wines, and was so sad to hear about this. will be opening something of his this weekend for sure.
