Will work for wine...
Last Friday, my team and I were invited to take a break from moving in and partake in the grape harvest out at our friends, the Ammirabile's, house in the Tuscan hills of Montespertoli. They needed some extra hands to cut down the bunches of grapes and honestly, who says no to that?
First of all, it is beautiful out there. The rolling hills, the tall cypress trees, and the smell of clean air are such a welcome break from the crowded city.
Second of all, the Ammirabile's are one of the neatest families I have heard about in my time in Florence. They used to run a Christian camp for youth, but now they mainly focus on their farm. They make their own wine, olive oil, vegetables, etc. They love to talk about John 15 while we are out there. They are a beautiful picture of an Italian family loving Jesus.
So, we packed ourselves on a bus at the crack of dawn and brought all of our wine making knowledge with us. Basically, that consisted of the picture of Lucy stomping grapes with an old woman. Seriously, that episode was on replay in my head all day...until we actually started working.
Here's the How To to grape harvesting.
What you'll need:
1 world's oldest tractor with large bin on the back full of "grape stick" (highly technical term)
2 cutting shears for all involved--preferably sharp
3 buckets for dropping the bunches into
4 men to come around when your bucket is full to haul it off to the aforementioned large tractor bin
5 the best picnic lunch of all time
6 lots of energy
After you have aquried these items, please proceed to the vineyard.
Tear off the leaves covering the grape bunches and start snipping.
Fill bucket, yell "pieno!" (full), wait for man to come by, get new bucket, start over.
The following are some excellent examples of skilled harvesters.
Take notes. Watch the form. The precision.
Kelly is a pro.
Ryan was one of the "bucket runner" men. He did double duty.
Hard core roommates.
Now we get to eat them!
This precious family served us a 5 course picnic lunch, gave us a bottle of wine, and invited us back for the olive harvest.
How much do I love living in Italy?
This much!
posted by Sarah at 6:26 PM
6 Comments:
I think this would make a great Vierling Family outing someday!!! Maybe you can bring both wine and EVOO back home with you.
Have a great week
Love you
That is so cool. Grapes, John 15, vine and branches... all good.
oh and it goes without saying that Sarah is cool.
Sarah, that has to be the best thing that I have heard about all day. I love it!! Love you too!!! ~ash
I love that you got to harvest with the Wonderful family!! So fun :) Thanks for blogging Sarah. It's a treat every time!
Now, oh so wise wine connaisseur, what's the difference between green and red grapes? Inquiring minds must know!
Love you!
hey sarah- this is Regina's mom - you are such a blast - thanks for sharing your fun so clearly I can see & taste it. I hope to return to Italia and meet this incredible family I've heard so much about. feels like I've been there - but nothing beats the "I carried a watermelon" entry!
Debbie Clark
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