Les Vendanges

We have just got home from our first day of grape picking - and we are absolutely shattered. We were asked by some friends if we would like to go and help their daughter and son-in-law harvest their grapes. They both gave up their careers in Paris a couple of years ago and decided to lease some vines whilst theirs matured. We were really excited as it was part of the culture we had not experienced.
We left home just after 8 o'clock and the temperature was just 4 degrees. Not knowing what to expect we went equipped for every eventuality, insect bites, temperatures rising to plus 40,emergency toilet rolls etc.etc. We rendezvoused with our friends and others that they had coerced into joining in and drove in convoy to the appointed field by the Lot river. Of course when we arrived we were introduced to all the other pickers, about a dozen of us and then had a crash course on how to pick and what to throw away. So off we went, a little concerned that we were going to put a moldy grape into the boxes.

 

By mid day  the temperature had risen to the low twenties and it was time for lunch - the bit that we had really come for, and we were not disappointed. Homemade pate, roast beef and salad, wonderful local cheese, followed by raspberry cake and dried fruits and of course all washed down with the product of last years harvest.  And at a table with a table cloth in the middle of the vines!

 

 

 Whilst having lunch we were fascinated to see a neighbour using his heavy horses to collect in his harvest. In contrast another neighbour joined us for a glass of wine and he told us that his vendange was starting tomorrow but he harvests by machine. He has got 16 hectares!! Finally we had to show willing and start again.

 

It was harder to get motivated after lunch but John had some assistance.

Eventually the bodies gave up, (well it was 5 o'clock!) and we declined to go again tomorrow, although we'll appreciate the wine more now that we understand what goes on!