Grape Harvest Almost On Our Doorstep.

Vineyards are teeming with activity.

Well, early mornings the rows of vines are mostly quiet awaiting whatever their day holds for them while bunches dangle invitingly in the budding morning sunshine. Most of their foliage has been removed to give the sun more room to imbibe them with nature's energy. The red bunches are growing in size although to me the actual grapes still look smaller than last year at this time.

It is only a matter of days even perhaps a week before the white grapes get harvested. A game of chicken with the almighty weather often ensues as each successive day the grapes are left on the vine, the better tasting they get. A nailbiting and nerve-wrecking two step with any possible storms or early morning frost. Yes, summer is on its last legs and the mornings are delightfully chilly and often chilled. Nothing nicer than to sip a strong cup of coffee on a crisp and chilly morning.

Winecellars are another hive of activity right now. Equipment of all shapes and sizes is being given a thourough clean ( water or citric acid only ) and arranged in the order it will be used. Every move is planned ahead of harvest as it is often a very stressful time, but also a happy time as the fruits of the year's labour are revealed.

Harvesting nature's bounty of all sorts ( grapes, apples, plums or pumpkins ) is a wonderful reminder to us of how abundant nature is and how fortunate we are to be able to live of it. Let's hope this year's harvest will run smoothly and be extremely successful for everyone...

Biggi