It is easier to uncork than it it to harvest

I've spent the last few days with people from the Bodega Tapiz here in Agrelo, Mendoza. I'm hurting tonight because I spent today harvesting grapes. It is amazing all that goes into making wine. We had an early and unexpectedly hard freeze over the weekend. I spent Monday with the agronimist from Tapiz checking all their different vineyards to see the effects of this freeze. I learned a lot about tending a vineyard as we spent the day together roaming around this part of Mendoza.

Today I worked with a group of pickers who harvest the grapes. It is hard, hard work. Many of these people are migrant workers from different parts of Argentina and from neighboring countries, and lightly put, they put me to shame. I did harvest some 200-250 kilos of cabernet sauvignon, but my back and knees are hurting for it.

Tomorrow I'm going to spend the day with the folks who actually make the wine in the bodega. It has been a real treat to get such an in depth look at the whole process, and it gives me a whole new appreciation for the wine we drink. Just before I came to Mendoza I found two wines from Tapiz at the Piggly Wiggly on Clairmont - Zolo Malbec (red) and Zolo Torrontes (white). Give them a try if you get a chance. The people of Tapiz of wonderful.

I'll check back in with you later. Peace...