Sunday, October 5, 2008

It's In the Air

Love is in the air...........the love of grapes and all things related to wine. It is the harvest season in the Napa Valley.........but first............ The dormant vines out the back door wait throughout the winter. In the chilly early morning air, ease on down the road to check the temperature and start the wind machines because this morning the reading is almost 32 degrees.
It is almost sunrise over the vineyard. After the temperature warms up, it will be time to turn off the wind machines, and the tractor work begins again.
This is the end result of all the watchful care. Beautiful bunches of grapes that are beginning to ripen and now wait to be harvested. We harvest now at night with lights. The grapes arrive at the winery cool and in good condition if picked at night.

Andrew, our grandson, is inspecting some night harvested grapes, before the stems are removed.
Our daughter Taylor, who is part of the winemaking team, loading night harvested Pinot Noir grapes. This is only the beginning of what looks to be a long slow harvest. Pray for no rain until after harvest is complete, and plenty of sunshine.

5 comments:

As Seen Thru My Eyes said...

I found your blog through your comment on Ulla's blog....which I wanted to tell you that I completely related too.
Then on your lovely blog I see beautiful photos of the wine county. I am in Hawaii now until November when I will return to Sebastopol... so thank you for offering me a window into the beauty that is through out our beautiful valleys at this time of year.
I will put your blog on my favorites.

Anonymous said...

Sue- that first photo with the green against the gray sky is gorgeous. You must just love it there!!
D.

spider said...

It's paradise! All the love and hard work is apparent in your wonderful wine! Katherine

Leticia said...

It was lovely meeting you today and chatting a bit about your fun art. Unfortunately, I was there between my son's soccer games and didn't have enough time to browse. Love that first photo of the vinyard and your grandson Andrew is a cutie. Take care.

FrenchGardenHouse said...

Sue,

What a beautiful place you live in, and what a blessing to have your family help with the harvest.
xo Lidy