La Vendange, La Vendemmia, la Vendimia! The Grape Harvest in all cultures signifies not just the picking of grapes but a cause for celebration. The bounty from a year’s worth of careful tending of vines which culminates with extended families and friends gathering to bring in the harvest and then celebrate with a traditional feast.
Though this season has been a nail biter for winemakers along the west coast from California through Oregon to BC, with a late spring and cooler than usual summer. The sunny warm days of August and September have helped accelerate the lateness in ripening and flavour development. The dry temperate weather has fortunately continued into harvest season, which commenced Thanksgiving weekend with our first lot of Chardonnay from the Black Sage Road in Oliver arriving on our Crush Pad.
This week we’re picking our Estate fruit. We started yesterday in Naramata with Chardonnay and today are harvesting our Gewürztraminer and Pinot Gris. This weekend we’re picking our Langley grapes, which are used in our 7 Stars Sparking wine and our Rosé.
Interested in experiencing harvest for yourself? Join fellow wine enthusiasts and help us celebrate and bring in the 2011 vintage on Sunday, October 23. We’re picking our Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Merlot grapes at our Langley winery, with some of the grapes to be donated to the local charity Critter Care Wildlife Society. Afterwards we’ll treat you to wine and a bountiful harvest lunch – free! We provide the fun, food, and wine…
Picking commences at 9:30 am sharp and lasts until approximately 1 pm (rain or shine). Please bring your own pruners if you have them and dress weather appropriately . Please be advised this is not suitable activity for those with bad knees or a bad back! Space is limited, RSVP to our Langley wineshop manager Gail.
