Friday, August 30, 2013

Harvest Time!

Cheers Everyone!!!
 
Well Fall is just around the corner and with September’s arrival, I celebrate one of my favorite months and seasons of the year! While cooler weather is not to far off and football season has begun, these are not the reason for my annual September excitement. No, it because it’s harvest season in California wine country! Vines are full of beautiful ripe grape clusters, wineries are busy bringing in and processing them, and you can almost "feel" the excitement and anticipation for a new vintage!
 
Drive through California wine country during harvest season and you will likely see giant lights set up in the vineyards at all hours of the night as crews carefully pick grapes during the cooler, less stressful evening hours. Also you will notice grape hauling trucks zooming through town to deliver their cargos to expecting wineries, and winery staff very busy sorting, pressing and processing grapes into this years new and delicious vintage.
 
I am often asked "when is the best time to visit wine country"? Well the answer to that is simple. Anytime you can get there!! However, when I first began to visit wine countries over twenty-two years ago, I always wanted to arrive right as harvest season was beginning. To witness and feel a part of the energy, grape harvesting and crushing and all the other related activities, tasks and events revolving around harvest season was very exciting and inspiring to me!
I love (and never get tired of it) seeing how wine is created and produced!
 
However if you do plan a trip to wine country during harvest season, realize that winemakers and winery staffs are at their busiest and most stressful time of the year. So while visitors enjoy private tours, visits with the wine making team and extensive barrel tastings, these special activities may be difficult to organize and schedule during this very busy time.
 
Each year harvest season excites and motivates me! Witnessing Mother Natures beautiful bounty, coupled with the talents and skills of outstanding grape growers and winemakers is always an honor and something I will always marvel at and truly enjoy.
 
Like New Years Day, for me harvest season represents new beginnings, new challenges and new opportunities. It is a time of creative expression, tradition and teamwork.
 
Today the 2013 harvest season has begun and is in full swing in California! Like the 2012 vintage, initial reports are great and 2013 looks to be another exciting and delicious vintage!!
 
So this Fall while your enjoying a wonderful glass of wine on your patio or tailgating before your favorite football team takes the field, take a moment to remember and raise a glass to harvest season and all those grape growers and winery staff who take the risks and work so hard to create our wines, from grapes to glass!!
 
Cheers!!

No comments:

Post a Comment