An Early and Collaborative Start
The harvest began with great enthusiasm. There were six of us in the first shift, from 7 a.m. until noon. During those hours, we picked 300 kilos of grapes, surrounded by cover crop and with some enjoyable diversions to visit the “Edible Hedge” we are creating. We are especially grateful to the neighbours who came to help us!
The regenerative vineyard team also did excellent preparatory work, setting up the paths so that the task was much smoother. In addition, Mike, our winemaker, provided us with baskets and scissors, which made the process easier. We were fortunate to start early, before the sun became too strong, avoiding the activity of the wasps that usually appear under direct sunlight. The atmosphere was calm, productive, and joyful.
At 12:30 we finished, went up together, cooked, and shared a meal. In the afternoon, some of us went to the river to rest.
A More Demanding Second Day
On Saturday we started again at 7 a.m., though this time the work was more complicated. We had to harvest in fields without preparation or paths, which slowed us down. We also worked in the tempranillo plots, where the grapes were drier and less abundant, meaning more effort for a lower yield.
We went through almost the entire vineyard, except for one corner of Field F, which was covered with dense anise vegetation and full of wasps. Some of us tried to enter, but eventually decided to abandon it for safety reasons.
In the Macabeo vines we observed a striking irregularity: some plants were loaded with seven or eight large bunches, while others had none.
Despite these difficulties, the atmosphere remained positive. We took advantage of the breaks to talk about the project, get to know each other better, and record some videos to showcase our processes and everything we have been doing.
The Value of Volunteering and Togetherness
Elena did an excellent job. She worked at her own pace, enjoying the natural environment during the breaks. It was inspiring to see how much satisfaction she found in her volunteering.
At the end of the day, we traveled to the winery, and later went down to the beach, where we spent a couple of hours celebrating our shared effort.
A Harvest Beyond Work
In retrospect, this harvest could have been completed in a single day, since the weather was not excessively hot. However, our holistic vision reminds us that it is not all about working quickly.
The balance between hard work and rest is essential. The weekend was not just about harvesting: it was also about getting to know one another, learning together, spending time in nature, and creating a meaningful gathering. An experience that combines volunteering and enjoyment, reflecting the true spirit of community.
