In 2003, I was in France during the time when the grapes were ready to be picked. There had been a heat wave through much of the summer and the harvest, in many areas, was earlier than usual.
Traditionally the harvest takes place in Sept, but it can start as early as August or as late as October, depending on how ripe the grapes are and it varies from year to year and region to region.
I was invited to help pick in the vineyards with a grandfather and his grandson. I was shown the proper way to cut the cluster of grapes from the vine, and I picked for much of the morning. It was hot and sweaty work, but an opportunity I was not about to pass up. Especially since I knew that as a volunteer, I could quit wherever I wanted to!
During the harvest, the rows of vines are alive with armies of pickers, and the roads are busy with tractors hauling grapes to the presses.
and the old way to press grapes.....
gives way to the new.
And now, when I drink a 2003 vintage wine, I know that I did my part!
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