The Fruit is Changing Color

      Its that time of year when every winemaker starts to get excited over the prospects of an imminent harvest.  The change in color of the fruit known as veraison is taking place.  Green fruit that looks unappetizing and small, changes over the course of a few days into beautiful, delicious looking berries.  Thankfully, we finished installing and zipping down bird nets last weekend.  We have enjoyed two hot, dry weeks for the first time this summer.  Suddenly, the vines have stopped growing and are putting their energy into reproduction.  In the next 4-10 weeks the berries will ripen as the seeds harden and mature.  All this is an attempt by the vine to spread its fruit and seeds by means off hungry birds and animals.  That is where we draw the line and plan to intervene.  We want to take those grapes at the peak of ripeness and turn them into your favorite flavor of wine.  Like I said this is the time of year when we start to get excited about the prospects!