We've just finished harvesting. Phew! It's a time of reflection, and also celebration this year as it's been a very good one for Forty Hall Vineyard, with just under twenty tonnes of super quality grapes harvested. But it's more than grapes, our project is about people, connecting with each other and the vines. Here are some words written by one of our fantastic volunteers, Linda, who like many of our community of volunteers attends regularly throughout the year.
Harvest time. The culmination of many months spent tending the vines. From the somewhat daunting process of the winter prune to the moment the grapes are gently collected, the vines are nurtured by an enthusiastic team of volunteers, of which I am proud to be one.
With a palpable sense of excitement and a buzz in the air, we gather in the field to literally reap the reward of our endeavour. Briefed and with clean snips and bucket in hand, the merry band of volunteers pairs up, heads towards the allocated rows and the fun begins.
Chitter chatter emanates from amongst the foliage, whilst the grapes are carefully picked. Crates are filled and the trusty-ish jeep trundles in the distance. It’s the perfect opportunity to meet and mingle with people from across all of our volunteer groups. In passing, the sound bites of other conversations are fascinating. Some vibrant, some less so, but all valid. With 5 grape varieties to pick from 14,000 vines, the harvest is a well-orchestrated process comprising numerous tasks. The yield of gorgeous bunches of goodness is collected methodically, weighed and recorded meticulously and despatched for processing within hours of the pick. Dedicated teamwork.
The harvest brings us all together to share in the success of this amazing social enterprise. Proof that our pruning did the trick and that our work in the fields throughout the year (with the helping hand of Mother Nature and an element of alchemy) really has paid off.
It’s a privilege to be a part of such an incredible project.
Thanks to Linda, and all our amazing community of volunteers.
We're recruiting a volunteer and wellbeing coordinator at Forty Hall Vineyard - could it be you?!
Join us for a picnic, live music and a glass of wine in the vines. All for a good cause :)
