HARVEST
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The logistics of harvest
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I’ve always loved harvest time. That’s one of the benefits of working in and around the wine industry, without actually having the responsibility of my own vineyard or winery. I see the complex and often difficult decisions that vineyard managers have to make and understand the huge logistical challenges that vineyards face at harvest. But I am still blessed with the freedom to entertain mostly romantic notions as the sugar levels reach their optimum point. I have the time to enjoy the first touches of yellow and red appearing on the leaves of the vines, as they still hang heavy with fruit. Savour the cool morning air, that is bracing as the sun rises from behind verdant hills. Stomp my feet through grass heavy with dew on my way to pick.
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Bantham Vineyard, Devon
I have volunteered at harvest every year since 2015. Sadly, I don’t have as much time available as I once did, but I always make sure that I put in at least one day. As you can probably guess, I adore it, despite the sore back that inevitably follows for me! It’s my very small token, a way of giving something back to this wonderful industry. With a busy family and working life, my time is probably the most valuable thing I have to give. Like most vineyard volunteers, I get a lot from the experience and don’t have any expectations of repayment in kind. But nonetheless, it really jumped out at me when I recently saw
