Friday, September 19, 2008

A little wine?


We've had a grape vine in the garden for a few years now and it frames the Pavilion which is my office at the bottom of the garden. I love the affect it has and it adds depth and substance to the office and garden. It's also the last spot in the garden to get the sun and I often sit there to read or to enjoy a glass of wine (rather appropriately)

In late autumn, we cut it down and then I watch it go through its stages of growth and development throughout the coming year. It's an inspiring update as I watch the evolution. Some years we haven't had any fruit at all and sometimes the birds get there first.

This year there have been a couple of bunches of grapes which started off green but are now changing colour. Due to lots of grey days and minimal sunshine this colour change had more or less ceased but I'm delighted that a couple of warm and sunny days has kick started things again. As you can see from the photo, the largest bunch is well on its way to being red!

The whole process is similar to what we may all go through in various life processes - building a business, developing a relationship to name a couple. There are obstacles thrown up that might put us off our stride and if we're not sure whether we are committed or not, we may get scared and even give up. On the other hand if we have vision and determination, we can see it through.

The grey days were not in the ideal plan and they could have stopped the process entirely just like something that might throw the relationship off track. If that had happened, was there a plan B? Something always worth developing.....

As there are so few bunches of grapes, we won't be producing a Waring-Stevens Pinot Noir this year but we may just be able to sit back (in the sun) and enjoy them as grapes.

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