Harvest Time

o matter what the weather autumn is a gorgeous time to be in wine country. We’ve had a long, hot and dry summer and last night we had a spectacular thunder storm. Today it is mild and warm again. And while the hills are a muted brown the acres and acres of vineyards are a magnificent display of reds, oranges, golds and greens.

Along the back roads I drive to get anywhere there are wild turkeys foraging and flashing their hidden jewel tones. Also along these back roads one often has to slow down and follow a tractor full of freshly picked grapes until it turns into a destination driveway. Here the grapes will be dumped into huge bins. It’s not always turkeys or tractors that slow you down. Every manor of vehicle is used to transfer grapes from field to winery. I have seen very large, sleek trucks and I have seen ancient pick-ups precariously hauling 2 trailers. We have stopped for a beer in Dry Creek and seen one of these makeshift grape haulers overturn and strew grapes from one side of the road to the other turning it a deep purple and stopping traffic until it could be cleaned up. I never figured out if they tried to recover some of the crop or just gave it up.

This is also a wonderful time of year to stop and sip a glass of wine. It’s an easy matter to get into a discussion about the prospects of this year’s vintage. How will it compare to last year? and the great year a few years ago? And will this long dry spell affect the wines? And how about the fires? You will be amazed at the scope of opinions you will encounter. But because the temperature is perfect, a light breeze is filling the air with the aroma of grapes and your glass is full nobody bickers or insists on his slant. It’s all just a lovely and very friendly time to visit. Andrea Cleall

‍