Harvest Time at Traynor Vineyard: A Symphony of Labour and Passion
Ah, harvest time! For many, it's a signal that autumn is in full swing, leaves are turning, and the air carries a hint of crispness. But for us at Traynor Vineyard, it's the crescendo of an entire year's work. As the golden hues of Prince Edward County transform the landscape, our vineyard life is at its busiest. And this year, Harvest 2023 is shaping up to be one for the books.
From the break of dawn, the vineyard resonates with the sound of laughter, chatter, and the snipping of secateurs. Our dedicated team hand-picks our own fruit, ensuring each grape is chosen at its peak ripeness. Every cluster is an emblem of the care and dedication we’ve infused into our vines throughout the year.
In addition to our own vines, we also receive a selection of grapes from a partner vineyard in the famed Niagara region. This collaboration allows us to bring in a variety of grapes that enrich our wine's profile, blending the terroirs of Prince Edward County and Niagara into a harmonious bouquet.
Once the grapes are picked, the next step is both an art and a science: the punch down. This process involves breaking up the grape skins to ensure a thorough skin ferment. It's a delicate balance of ensuring maximum flavour extraction while also respecting the grape's integrity.
Following this, the pressing begins. Each grape yields its precious juice, destined for fermentation. As the grapes are transformed, the magic truly begins. The yeast goes to work, turning the sugars into alcohol, and the unmistakable scent of fermentation fills the air. Our winemakers, Mike and Richard, oversee this delicate process with expert eyes, ensuring the distinctive Traynor Vineyard character shines through in every bottle.
Yes, harvest is labour-intensive. Every hand is essential, every effort invaluable. Yet, it's this collective dedication that makes our wines so special.
Even in the whirlwind of harvest, our doors remain open to wine enthusiasts. Come in for a tasting, and experience the very essence of the season in every sip. And if curiosity strikes, don't hesitate to ask your server about the ins and outs of the harvest process. Perhaps, if timing aligns, you might even get a sneak peek of us in action, passionately crafting the wines you love.
This season, as you raise a glass of our newest vintage, remember the journey it's undertaken – from vine to bottle. Embrace the fruits of our labour and the essence of vineyard life in Prince Edward County.
Cheers to Harvest 2023 and the stories yet to be told at Traynor Vineyard.
