Thanksgiving 2013 - A Bountiful Harvest!
I was reading a little history of Thanksgiving recently and thought that the Pilgrims must have been "glass half full" type of people. According to many sources they rejoiced and gave thanks to God for their first harvest and year of survival in the New World. No doubt the first year in America was filled with adversity, illness and encountering hostility. However, as customary in Europe, the Pilgrims made the choice to be thankful for their blessings and prepared a feast in celebration.
When I reflect on the 2013 growing season, although not quite 1621, we encountered some adversity as well. Our vineyard and those we contract with endured sub-zero temperatures in January, a late Spring frost, a hot dry summer and September rains. Not quite a textbook year. We harvested some varietals early, left others to hang longer and adjusting our tonnage in anticipation of bringing the fruit into the winery.
I have seen enough harvests to know that no two growing seasons are alike. Yet experience reminds me that the glass truly is half full and I anticipate great wine from our 2013 vintage. So with a glass half full, a toast...As Charles Dickens once said " Reflect on your present blessings, Of which every man has many. Not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.
Hope to see you at our Thanksgiving Barrel Tasting on Friday, Nov 29 thru Sunday, Dec 1 from 12 noon to 5 pm. Cheers!
Cheers!
