photo courtesy of Venopediatv.

There is a time before the vine starts growing its leave buds that it cries. It happens just as the vines end their long winter hibernation, from late March to early April. They could cry up to 1.3 gallons in a short time, (5 liters)! The vines are waking up and signaling that Spring is coming. I think this is very poetic. The plant is getting ready for the future, a few months of hard work to finally deliver the sought after grapes. To me it symbolizes the struggle we all go through in preparation for our journey to reach a precious goal. We cry but we keep moving forward, preparing ourselves and savoring each step.

Viticulture is an art form and there is always a lot of “feeling” going on in each vineyard I have visited. The vines don’t really ooze water but a clear color sap. Some people collect it in canisters and drink it or use it in ointments to treat skin or eye problems. The grapevine is a very giving plant that contributes very much to our happiness and wellbeing. Salud!