Harvest is in full swing here in the Loire and yesterday I had the chance to participate in a little picking with friend and wine producer Louisa Plou of Chateau de Montdomaine.
Fred, Louisa’s husband comes from a winemaking family that dates back to 1508 although he and Louisa created their own domaine just a few years ago.
Yesterday Louisa invited a group of us to help her bring in a few rows of Chardonnay so that she can make a special cuvée this year for the first time. A mixed bunch of ladies English, French and American drove out to the vineyards in the morning sunshine to pick grapes and talk wine.
As we had just a few rows to pick it was a real pleasure and we were lucky enough to have a beautifully sunny morning. Picking full time is hard work and pretty tough on the body and although we spent just a couple of hours in the vineyard I have to admit my legs still ached this morning.
Grapes safely loaded and back at the winery, we enjoyed a delicious lunch in the garden joined by Fred and his co-workers. A lovely day during a hectic time.
Today we awoke to sound of soft heavy rain. How lucky were we to pick in the sunshine!
