Out with the old…

”Jen”eral Perspective

In with the new, growth that is.

The burning of the vines is an annual tradition that has its roots in France. Each year after the harvest is over and the vines have gone dormant, winemakers prune the grapevines to make way for new growth – a critical step in the growing process.

This winter “chore” is celebrated with the Burning of the Vines, a festival in the tradition of French wineries past and present, to mark the end of the previous harvest and the beginning of the new growing season, or bud-break. The tradition involves collecting grapevine cuttings then burning them to ensure that any disease from the dead cuttings cannot be spread to the new vines; a symbolism of death and rebirth by fire.

Bonfires, music, food and, of course, wine, are all part of the celebration. Friday May 3 is is our 5^th annual Burning of the Vines. Open to those 21 and older, tickets are available online. The event is free for the winery’s Gold Leaf Club members.

What’s a ritual bonfire without a little cleansing of one’s own? Personally, I am always looking to improve, and the Burning of the Vines creates a mid-year chance at either rededication to resolutions or an opportunity to make new ones. We invite our guests to write a note on a card attached to a piece of the vine and toss it into the fire. Think of something you want to get rid of or do less of in the coming year. Or, maybe there’s something you would like to get/do more of in the new year. Come out and join us to inspire your own renewal and chance at growth.