The hustle continued into 2023, with permits in the works for our production space and the search for a potential winemaker already underway.

 

I count my blessings for the unwavering support of my vineyard assistants, A & E, who returned on weekends throughout the growing season, alongside two new hardworking part-timers, O and D, both spirited high schoolers. O, my right-hand lady, dove into her tasks with gusto, mastering everything from leaf pulling to spider hunting, all while reveling in the great outdoors.

 

Meanwhile, D proved himself an invaluable asset, expertly taming the unruly weeds that threatened to suffocate our young vines under the trellis. His skills as a hunter proved both fortunate and unfortunate—a necessary trait for any farmer who knows the delicate dance of nurturing crops while fending off nature’s challenges.

 

This year saw most vines reaching the top wire, a sight to behold from afar, yet a testament to the vigor of these cold-climate hybrids. With vigor comes responsibility, and many very hot days were spent meticulously thinning shoots on our Marquette and Itasca vines, ensuring they channel their energy into fortifying their roots and stems.

 

Spraying became a frequent chore in the vineyard, a task far from my favorite but essential for warding off diseases and nurturing quality fruit. Thankfully, I now have Betsy, a retrofitted golf cart that gracefully disperses my sprays—a significant upgrade from last year’s cumbersome methods. Let’s just say, a mishap involving a rogue incline and a runaway mule provided an unforgettable lesson in vineyard maintenance. Thankfully, no lives were lost, though a fence pole and a tailgate bore the brunt of the adventure.