Published: August 07, 2008 04:09 am            

Harvesting the Grapes

St. Jane Vineyard to hold annual event Saturday

PALESTINE — For thousands of years, workers have harvested grapes ripe on the vine and stomped them into juice and pulp.

Saturday morning, St. Jane Vineyard will offer local residents the chance to share in the experience in its 8th annual Lenoir Harvest, beginning at 6:30 a.m.

Make no mistake, warns vineyard owner Scott Thompson. It may sound like fun, especially to those remembering the “I Love Lucy” episode involving Lucy and Ethel stomping grapes, but there is still work involved.

“It’s a family deal, just like a big picnic, but we’re there to harvest,” Thompson said. “It’s harvest time at St. Jane Vineyard. We’re looking for people to help us harvest grapes.”

The day begins at 6:30 a.m. with a continental breakfast, juice and coffee, and an orientation session to explain how to safely cut the grapes off the vines and what to do, first aid-wise, in case of an accident. At 7 a.m., it’s on to the rows of vines to harvest the grapes, a process which usually takes between two and three hours, depending on the number of volunteers.

“We go into the vineyard and pick one row at a time, picking grapes,” Thompson said.

After the grapes are harvested, most are packed into a semi trailer for transfer to a winery in Sante Fe, Texas. A few are held out for stomping.

Space is limited to RSVP only. Those interested in helping harvest are asked to call 903-724-0872, 903-724-1064 or 903-723-1241 by 7 p.m. Friday to RSVP.

Participants are advised to bring lawn chairs, sunscreen and water bottles and to wear cool, comfortable clothing, closed-toe shoes and either a sunhat or cap. Water will be provided.

The vineyard is located on ACR 378 (Lacy Street), approximately two-tenths of a mile east of Loop 256, across from the Harvey Women’s Club.

For more information about the vineyard, visit its Web site at www.stjanevineyard.com.

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Beth Foley may be contacted via e-mail at bfoley@palestineherald.com

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On the Net:

St. Jane Vineyard, http://www.stjanevineyard.com/index.html

        

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