Grape Harvest

Mother Nature was generous and gave us a bumper crop this year. But Mother Nature also wanted to test our perseverance and stamina. We had to pick our grapes two weekends in a row when the daily temperature was between 90 -100 degrees. Murphy's law was at its best.

It was hot and humid the weekend before the Labor Day's weekend. We picked the Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot. We had to pick very early in the morning before sunrise and late in the afternoon before sunset. It was not easy. I lost 2 lbs. from that streneous exercise.

Thank God, we had 50+ friends and family showed up for the harvest "party" on Labor Day's weekend. Without their help, I don't know if we could have picked all of the Zinfandel and Mourvedre in one evening. Afterward, we all relaxed, took a dip in the pool, having appertizers and drinking Sangria while waiting for the food to finish cooking on the grill! Thanks to cousin Jared, our friend, Hector, and, brother-in-law, Ngon, all three took turn at the grill cooking kabobs and three different kinds of burgers for the large crowd while Michael and Geoff tending to the grape crush.

The theme of the dinner menu was Mediterranean as I tried to serve only healthy food made from fresh vegetables, whole grain products, grape seed oil and lean meat/fish. I paired each dish including dessert with the wines that were served. Everyone asked for the recipe of the Sangria that I made from our Merlot wine and fresh peach. We also served dishes that were made with ingredients harvested from our organic garden. Everyone loved the pear and cherry tomatoes that Michael grew this year. The salsa that Amie made with fresh basil, tomatoes, peppers grown from our garden was a hit. Of course, the watermelon, rum cake and homemade brownies were well received. Everyone told me that our Port wine was especially good with brownies. I just drank it by itself as my dessert! I earned it.

Everyone had a good time. The kids, especially, loved the game quiz and prizes. Justin and Nathan just went nuts. Our friends and family showed their support by bringing friends to join in the fun. The children seemed to have the most fun at the vineyard and in the pool. Michael's cousins showed up in a large number. They are fantastic in helping with everything. Melinda and Derrick were there two weekends in a row. My two sisters and brothers-in-law and friends made up the rest of our loyal workforce for the harvest.

I am grateful for the love and support that our family and friends have showed us during the harvest by volunteering their time and sweat!

I am so glad the harvest is over! We still have lots of wine-making work to do the rest of the year. But, at least, no more worries about the weather, and birds and bees eating up our wine grapes.

Cheers!