Harvest Day at Perissos

Harvest day at Perissos for the Tempranillo and Touriga dawned very early...we had almost a carbon copy repeat of the night before:  Shower and change clothes, eat dinner, hit the road for Highlands, and sit out in the yard there admiring the stars until bedtime.

 Walking to the pump house in the morning I hear this guy hooting - looking for breakfast?

Perissos is a little further from Highlands so by the time we got there and got started the sun was fully up!

Sign the waiver, grab your clippers, and head out!  No speeches from Seth and Laura - everyone pretty much knew the drill.  She rode an ATV with a little trailer attached giving us water , Gatorade, granola bars, and bananas - so appreciated.  No one looked ready to pass out though the heat and humidity were intense!

 The fruit was gorgeous!

 We found a nest or two among the vines; this one was empty.  
And no bees, thank goodness!

 TWELVE TONS of fruit was harvested!!

It will be a couple of years before we get to enjoy it.  About the time we all looked ready to pass out, Laura announced we were done picking for the day!  Time to head up to the tasting room for a glass of wine and some group pics.

 Then MORE wine and some sandwiches.

We hung out in the main tasting room enjoying our wine.  Laura came by for a bit and chatted with us.  They are such a nice family and their wine is excellent.  One of our favorite places!

And with that, our harvest volunteering comes to an end for the summer...but we are always up for helping in other ways!