… but only of proper sowing. (T.S. Eliot)

Prunent_

Ripe Prünent grapes waiting for harvest at Cantina Garrone.

These powerful words by T.S. Eliot remind us that in these frantic, labor-intensive days of harvest, and through these sleepless nights and anxious moments waiting for the right weather, the right temperature, the exact moment of ripeness- the real work is already done.cellar

Botti at Monteraponi, full and pregnant with years of hard work waiting inside.

I love this time of year when the world, both virtual, online and physical, is full of the harvest.  It is a good time to remember that wine is really just farming.  Agriculture at its most basic level.

Let’s not forget, the people who put wine in your glass spend a lot of time with their hands in the dirt.  These farmers are the backbone to our society.  They feed us: our souls, our bodies and our minds.  We need them.TeachingWinemakers from Vigne Surrau in Sardegna, explaining the intricacies of Vermentino.

This is a good time of year to remember: the world needs a winemaker.