When I worked harvest in 2011 we didn't start bringing in the grapes until it was almost Halloween. This year as October begins, harvest is pretty well wrapped up. It was a hot spring, a long hot summer, and it continues to be a warmer than usual fall. You can see from the above photo that there is a LOT of fruit in the vineyard this year. The fruit set was excellent this spring, and the above normal temperatures helped to ensure that it would all ripen.
I was sorting grapes again this year at Coeur de Terre Vineyard. Scott and Lisa aren't too tired of my never ending questions, I guess. It is a rewarding process of helping to sort the harvest each year. It is a wonderful time of fellowship as well. Lisa provides meals for the crew, and we eat very well!
Hector, one if the members of the crew told me I'm I'm always facing the wrong way when I'm taking photographs. "You're always facing the grapes and never me." So I got him driving up the road on the tractor with a load of grapes. (He usually uses his hands when he drives!) Notice the pond in the background? It's low. Coeur de Terre has a new vineyard they just planted and the new vines must be watered until they have put down enough roots to survive such dry weather. But don't worry, the rainy season is about to begin. At leas I hope and pray it is.
