The End Of Harvesting Is Near.

An abundance of grapes.

The air and chardonnay seem to have the same temperature. Crisp, cold but surprisingly bright. Most of the vineyards have been picked by the various troupes of pickers. Faster by the ' pros ' and more sedately by the amateurs, into which category yours truly falls. Thank goodness we picked on Friday as this week it would have been outrageously cold.

Rows upon rows have been harvested with the odd sporadic few rows still bending under the weight of an abundance of grapes. The tractors bearing green vats filled with grapes are ubiquitous on the byways and honestly, driving fast should be scraped during harvest. Overtaking tractors on curvy roads is a no no for me and driving more sedately suits me just fine.

Harvesting means long days but everybody enjoys these times despite being tired. Grapes translate into wine which is what provides either a livelihood, salary or drinks at home. After a few horrid seasons in regards to weather, each and every vintage picked however long it takes is a blessing and everyone sees it as one.

Wine farmers the world over are a rare breed of passionate and ardent viticulturists who put their life and soul into each and every vintage and I think if you have the opportunity to meet a vintner, please take the time to thank them for it. Imagine a world without them? Horrible thought indeed...

When this year's harvest is all over though, I am certain that many will take the time to sit and relax while sipping on last year's spoils...

Biggi