Vineyard Owners

A couple of weeks ago,  Ladies Literary Club had a guest speaker who came to tell about the book he had written about a wine vineyard in the Finger Lakes.    He was the writer, and as the writer,  he won an international award on his book.  He had spent a considerable amount of time interviewing the owners of the vineyard.   Accompanying him was the wife-half of the couple who own the vineyard.

She also spoke.  The husband and wife team started their vineyard late in life, after their children were grown, and with little money.  They have produced an award winning product, but have always struggled financially.

She spoke about how much her husband worries about the grapes, and how so far, they have managed to reap their grape crop.   But this year,  with weird weather patterns,   warm spring weather came too soon.  We have had 80 degree temperatures in mid March. If the buds come out on the vines, and then there is a hard freeze,  it could destroy the potential grapes.

Ever since I heard her speak,  I have been worried about the grape vines!  It really had an affect on me.  I read a novel not long ago that was also set in a vineyard, and detailed all the careful pruning that had to be done, and the risks and dangers involving storms and wind and cold.   Suddenly, it felt very personal.   I can't help but wonder,  if I feel the anxiety for the grapes, me a stranger, a non-grower, how hard it must be for the owners of the vineyard.  I can see why she would say that her husband spends many sleepless nights.

My husband remembers well loosing a whole season's crop of apples for the same reason, back in the 1940's.

Tonight promises a hard frost, low temperatures, and a threat to fruit blossoms everywhere.  Blessing to those who have to stay awake all night worrying!  My heart goes out to you!