The grapes are calling.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
“The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.”
~ Galileo Galilei [1564-1642]
The wine-grape harvests in California were early this year. Jobs are available now in Languedoc Roussillon, France. There are shifts in the timing of harvest schedules due to climate changes. This photo series presents a brief description in the rural village ambiance of the winery clean-up after the grape harvests in the department of Herault, near Bezièrs, South France.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
The mechanical harvesters are checked over and sent out.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
The winery is clean, ready and eager to rest after an intense season.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
Many small wineries still harvest the grapes manually.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
Cleaned up after a season’s work, and the men are happy.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
As clean as though it were never used.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendages
Some clean tools will forever wear grape!
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendages
Other areas of the winery still require some tidying up.
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendages.
These boys of summer, not at the beach, but working at the winery – literally inside the machine cleaning it to be able to make a repair at the end of the season before heading off to Montpellier for university. Really just one boy 😉
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendages
So, winery all cleaned, shined and repaired, some varieties will rest in the oak barrels which impart nuances in co-creating a fine, aged wine. For a little trivia on the use of oak barrels, check the link.
And finally, words for the wise and from the wise …
South France, Languedoc Roussillon, Hérault, Les Vendanges
“Wine to me is passion. It’s family and friends. It’s warmth of heart and generosity of spirit. Wine is art. It’s culture. It’s the essence of civilization and the art of living.”
~ Robert Mondavi [1913-2008]
So, enjoy now a light, chilled summer vin rosé before we become interested in what the new season will bring.
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