Ripening Grapes

The death this morning of a good friend has distracted me from everyday tasks and reminded me to enjoy every moment. Life is a gift not ever to be taken for granted.

The grapes are looking great this year. Sonoma County winemakers suffered last year due to bad timing weather-wise. It was so cold and damp, that the leaves which normally shade the fruit during the hottest months were trimmed off to prevent the formation of mold. A subsequent heat wave turned the unprotected grapes into raisins overnight. Many growers
lost over half their crop. The amount of work involved in nurturing these vines and second guessing things which cannot be changed, like the weather, pests, mildew and bunch rot, reminds me of why I am not a farmer. The list of considerations involved in turning the grapes into wine is mind boggling and reminds me why I am not a vintner.

Here's to a nice glass of wine on the terrace before dinner.



The Pinot Noir grapes are the first reds to turn color. Their name "black pine" is derived from the pine cone shape of the clusters. They do well in cooler climates and like the Sonoma County soil. Once they are fully turned, they will be tested for the correct brix (sugar) level and when it is deemed just right, the harvest and the crush will begin. Trucks loaded with grapes will begin appearing on the roads and the wineries will be going full tilt. An exciting (and beautiful) time in Wine Country.