Spring Time in the Vineyard

I grew up in Central California in the middle of a vineyard.  Dad had Thompson Seedless grapes and when I opened my drapes in the morning  I saw row after row of grapevines.  My favorite season was Spring, when the new shoots, bright green and delicate, were just emerging.  And all those tendrils.  Twisting and turning looking for something to attach to. 

 "Spring Time in the Vineyard"   © Kathy Dunham 2010

Ceiling of Grapes

Farming technology keeps changing and becoming more mechanized in this era of modernization and efficiency. Raisins used to be created by cutting then drying bunches of grapes on paper trays laid on the ground. Now they can dry them on the vine. A trellis roof of wires allows vines to grow on top while the bunches of grapes hang below, hence, the "ceiling of grapes". When the sugar content is right, the vines are cut to stop the nutrients and water from going to the bunches while they dry in the air. Then a machine comes along and collects the finished product. Similar to a grape arbor, this giant trellis covers acres and acres of vines. It's a quicker and cleaner way to make raisins.

"Ceiling of Grapes" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Spring in the Vineyard

Early morning light as it passes through newly developed grape leaves presents a dramatic image. As the leaves mature they get thicker and aren't as translucent so the delicate glow of the sun shining through these young leaves makes it a special sight first thing in the day.

"Spring in the Vineyard" © Kathy Dunham 2009