This past week I learned how to harvest wine grapes. In Monterosso. With my Italian and his father, who has been harvesting for decades. Last year, I merely assisted in stomping the grapes, surely as much fun as it sounds (and largely a tourist attraction I might add). This year, I became a true laborer of the land. Little did I know the travail of such sweet work. And the fulfillment that follows.
Harvesting began at 8am. The view itself was worth the early rise. Acres of stepped land, locally referred to as poggi, covered by vines and olive trees. I was wide awake, as were all other forms of wildlife, namely flies resembling wild mosquitos and sneaky little salamanders. No fear. I took to the task at hand and in meditative rhythm the grape cutting began. With intermittent tasting, to ensure quality of course.
The picking continued for three hours, filling over 12 huge crates. We had finished one piece of land but two more remained. It appeared this harvest was much larger than the last, though the grapes were not as high a quality. Thus sciacchetra (my favorite local dessert wine of Cinque Terre) could not be produced. But white wine would flow!
After a well earned home-cooked meal of pasta and fish followed by a nap on the beach (harvesting is exhausting!) it was time to press the grapes. This part I love. I feel fortunate that my Italian’s father has not modernized the technique. It’s still a very hands on, or in this case, ‘feet on’ experience.
With great care we crushed the grapes as my Italian’s father collected the juice to add to the 300 liter boiler. Almost as quickly as we finished our grape dance the container was filled. Soon the boiling would begin.
The following day our ‘homage to the grape’ continued. Picking. Eating. Stomping. In 3 months time we drink! I will forever appreciate a glass of wine. Especially one from the Poggi Harvest of 2010.
Brilliant, Kasia. How lucky you are to have this experience! Thanks for sharing. (Though it would be nice, too, if you shared the wine that you helped create next year!)
I will bring a few bottles to Paris for the wine connosoirs 😉
Fantastic! Sounds like so much fun! Something I’ve always wanted to do! Bet you can’t wait to drink a bottle of that stuff!
Great fun (and hard work)! Looking forward to drinking it, an acquired taste since it’s all natural.
Wonderful, Kasia! I really want to stomp some grapes now… 🙂
Wow, look at all the hard work that goes into making sure I can get my drink on! Seriously, very nice post and thanks for sharing the memories.
A P.S. to the comment I just left on Greece, Part II — and here is *my* fiancé, lol. I forgot that he reads here every so often. 😀
Let us know if you need help drinking any of it!
OMD, this is something I’ve always wanted to do! Looks like you had a great time. Anyway, off to go read some more of this lovely blog here 🙂 Paris in Pink
You must try it!!! Happy you are enjoying the blog…and my many adventures!
You’re getting to do so many amazing things! So glad you’re enjoying yourself and continuing to travel!
This looks like so much fun. I love that there are still places where people do things the ‘old fashioned way.’ I wish there were more. You two will have to carry the torch!
There is an old episode of Lucille Ball where she gets into a argument stopping grapes. It’s hilarious. And most likely that would be me. So you should be thankful I wasn’t there. (Really thankful – considering you don’t know me!!!LOL)
Oops. I meant to say “stomping grapes”
[…] according to the fruits they bear. For the past two years I have looked forward to the Fall for the grape harvest, one which I whole-heartedly participate in, picking, stomping and eventually, drinking the wine. […]