Views from the summer vineyards

The vineyards are green and lush this time of year, and especially this year due to the hot weather and rain. The growers are out there constantly with their tractors and trimming machines slicing off the new growth to force the vines' energy into grape production.

Neatly trimmed rows of grapevines hug the contours above the river.

It looks to me like there will be no shortage of grapes this year. I'm noticing lots of bunches everywhere. That means that as they get closer to harvest, the growers will begin lopping off bunches to rot on the ground. They do this because the A.O.C. requirements are strict about yields. I suspect it has to do with quality; too many grape clusters on a vine dilute the vine's ability to produce quality bunches. This is pure speculation on my part.

Looking east back toward our house from the vineyard.

I love the lush look of the summer vineyard. Especially after the trimming when the vines are all the same shape and size. It's like a huge green carpet laid down on the curves of the land. Actually, I love all the stages, from bare trunks in winter through the bright hues of autumn.

Swaths of tall grasses and wildflowers in between parcels.

As for those bunches left on the ground, we talked to one grower and he said we were welcome to them. That year, Ken picked up a few and made gamay jelly. It's a shame to see the grapes go to waste! Now, if only we could pick up enough to make our own wine... nah.