When I don't see my surroundings as just a whole lot of work...I guess I'm pretty blessed. A few hazy photos from the beginning of a very hot day here at Little Red Wagon Vineyard and of course home! Stay cool!
Showing posts with label vineyard. Show all posts
Showing posts with label vineyard. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Wednesday, January 21, 2015
30 in 30....day 21
Just a quick and simple painting today. There is a multitude of things calling to me... the dust bunnies are mocking me, the farm bills are leering at me, the hole in the kitchen ceiling is flat out laughing at me because they know me, they know I like to stay on top...as best as I can and I'm falling just a bit further behind with each passing day!
Thus quick and simple. The subject matter is also simple but although innocent looking enough it is also taunting me. Painted from a picture I took in my vineyard late this summer as the grapes were ripening. We have lots of wine ageing gracefully (we hope) in our garage, but that begins the problem. We were supposed to have built a winery by now.
The winery allows licensing.
Licensing allows a business.
Business allows sales.
Sales allow income.
Income allows a small climb towards debt recovery and maybe even some fine day: profitability!
We have no winery.
We do have lots of legislation, paperwork, complications, barriers.
What we need is WINNING LOTTERY TICKET! A SUGAR DADDY!! A PRIVATE INVESTOR! A GUARANTOR! A PHILANTHROPIST! Not even a truly rich one. Just brave and trusting. That would cut through ALL the red tape in one fell swoop and we'd be on our way.
Oh well, I just have to hunker down for the long, slow wait. If nothing else I am being taught patience over and over and over again. Some day you would think I'd get good at it but apparently I'm a slow learner.
Sigh. So today I'll have to satisfy myself with painting my Marquette grapes and maybe once the day is done I'll pop the cork on one of those many bottles and savour the efforts of a season past and dig in stubbornly planning a bit more for seasons yet to come because although patience is not my strong point apparently stubbornness is!
Thus quick and simple. The subject matter is also simple but although innocent looking enough it is also taunting me. Painted from a picture I took in my vineyard late this summer as the grapes were ripening. We have lots of wine ageing gracefully (we hope) in our garage, but that begins the problem. We were supposed to have built a winery by now.
The winery allows licensing.
Licensing allows a business.
Business allows sales.
Sales allow income.
Income allows a small climb towards debt recovery and maybe even some fine day: profitability!
We have no winery.
We do have lots of legislation, paperwork, complications, barriers.
What we need is WINNING LOTTERY TICKET! A SUGAR DADDY!! A PRIVATE INVESTOR! A GUARANTOR! A PHILANTHROPIST! Not even a truly rich one. Just brave and trusting. That would cut through ALL the red tape in one fell swoop and we'd be on our way.
Oh well, I just have to hunker down for the long, slow wait. If nothing else I am being taught patience over and over and over again. Some day you would think I'd get good at it but apparently I'm a slow learner.
Sigh. So today I'll have to satisfy myself with painting my Marquette grapes and maybe once the day is done I'll pop the cork on one of those many bottles and savour the efforts of a season past and dig in stubbornly planning a bit more for seasons yet to come because although patience is not my strong point apparently stubbornness is!
10 x 8
acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas
Wednesday, January 14, 2015
30 in 30....day 14
I spent literally hours this morning scanning through my photo collections in an attempt to pick a subject to paint for today.
My big concern is tomorrow is the deadline for submitting images for the 2015 Pontiac Art Tour...and although I have built up a bit of an inventory I wanted another piece to add to my submissions that represent "me" well. I am very much a country gal and most of my art reflects that.
I finally decided on an image on file, printed it off and went towards my canvases and paints...and it fell flat, just like that. One moment I had found THE image, the next moment not a shred of interest remained.
Back to square one. I'm a little fickle like that.
So I picked up my phone and scrolled through my pics there and found it. The result is below, again please pardon the image quality...by the time I finished all natural light had left and somehow the photo turned out brighter...it is a "little" more subtle in the real world!
This is a picture I took this fall while working in our vineyard. We were making adjustments to our bird netting to protect the grapes for a few more weeks while they reached a higher BRIX (sugar level). I turned around and there they were, the birds...just a waiting for us to go back to the house so they could feast.
This reminded me of our trip to Prince Edward County when we started thinking about building a winery. ( A research and development...and birthday trip all rolled into one.) We were chatting with one vineyard owner and he told us he knows the grapes are ready when the birds fill the power lines...and here was finally proof that we had obtained a product worthy of attention...the birds have for sure noticed...every plant that did not get covered was picked squeaky clean of every last fruit...and even some that were covered were sabotaged as well!
Fortunately we did our job well enough that we have over 1200 litres ageing nicely in our garage... with lots more to come in the years to follow.
So, even though I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the birds...that day made me smile, and so does my painting!
My big concern is tomorrow is the deadline for submitting images for the 2015 Pontiac Art Tour...and although I have built up a bit of an inventory I wanted another piece to add to my submissions that represent "me" well. I am very much a country gal and most of my art reflects that.
I finally decided on an image on file, printed it off and went towards my canvases and paints...and it fell flat, just like that. One moment I had found THE image, the next moment not a shred of interest remained.
Back to square one. I'm a little fickle like that.
So I picked up my phone and scrolled through my pics there and found it. The result is below, again please pardon the image quality...by the time I finished all natural light had left and somehow the photo turned out brighter...it is a "little" more subtle in the real world!
This is a picture I took this fall while working in our vineyard. We were making adjustments to our bird netting to protect the grapes for a few more weeks while they reached a higher BRIX (sugar level). I turned around and there they were, the birds...just a waiting for us to go back to the house so they could feast.
This reminded me of our trip to Prince Edward County when we started thinking about building a winery. ( A research and development...and birthday trip all rolled into one.) We were chatting with one vineyard owner and he told us he knows the grapes are ready when the birds fill the power lines...and here was finally proof that we had obtained a product worthy of attention...the birds have for sure noticed...every plant that did not get covered was picked squeaky clean of every last fruit...and even some that were covered were sabotaged as well!
Fortunately we did our job well enough that we have over 1200 litres ageing nicely in our garage... with lots more to come in the years to follow.
So, even though I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the birds...that day made me smile, and so does my painting!
20 x 20
acrylic on gallery style canvas
Monday, March 18, 2013
Prince Edward County, Ontario
Just back from a whirlwind "Rest & Relaxation" and "Research & Development" trip to beautiful Prince Edward County.
From one end to the other the county is a beautiful drive full of scenic vistas and old farmsteads brimming with artist studios, wineries, restaurants, shops, inns, beautiful homes and so much more that the whole weekend was a fabulous adventure. The scenery reminded us of Prince Edward Island or a tour around Isle d'Orleans outside of Quebec City but so much closer to home. A break from the everyday, a very luxurious birthday gift for me and a true adventure, we highly recommend it to everyone!
Our pockets are a bit shallower after leaving quite a bit of coin behind to the very hardworking, deserving individuals scattered around the region. Our heads are filled to overflowing with ideas as we plan our own winery. So many friendly people to offer suggestions, tour us around, give us inside information as to the ins and outs of the industry...and perfect that we were able to go during the "off season" because they would have been too busy to chat had we gone when things are in full swing as they are swamped in the summer with so many people. Scott and I hit too many places to count! While a bit milder in temperature than our area, some growers there are also using the hybrid vines we grow in their wines and what we saw overall was a huge success story for their County.
What the people of Prince Edward showed us was anything is possible if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get down to work, be hospitable and maybe just a little bit crazy thrown in with a whole lot of brave! Wouldn't it be wonderful if Pontiac followed in their footsteps? We already have so much, we're just not that great at showing off! A permanent arts trails, taste trail, and so much more? I'd love to know how they combined the initiative to grow their communities into the sensation it is...the results are stunning and something that they should all be very, very proud of!
Just a few "not to miss" stops we recommend-
The Manse, Picton -gourmet meals, luxurious accommodations, friendly, caring people...I already miss your shower, your sheets, and would love to steal recipes for so much of what you served!
Devils Wishbone Winery, Lake on the Mountain- they are running their business out of a fabulous old barn that they are renovating as they go...so fun and fabulous!...Thank you Paul and Jennifer for touring us through and humouring "the beginners"
Exultet Estates, Milford-they were bottling with their 3 kids, which is very reminiscent of how we roll around here...like it or not it's a family affair and one that seems to be working!
Harwood Estates, Hillier-Don and Judy thank you for your time and tour and the recommendations of how to grow and of other places to visit!
Redtail Vineyard, Consecon - an off grid, organic winery...Thank you, Gilbert for taking so much of your day to talk with us, educate us and go the extra mile, we love your barrel room!
As for the "big guys" these places are also very worth the visit:
The Grange, Hillier-a stunning building
Huff Estates, Hallowell-.a very modern winery, inn and gallery...wow in every sense, but very friendly none the less!
Closson Chase, Hillier-informative, friendly and neat decor
The Barley Room at The Waring House, Picton -where we got to celebrate St. Patty's with pub food, local cider and beer and great entertainment. Scott even broke into song at shows end which kept the revelry going for a good while after as other talents throughout the audience joined in. He even attracted the attention of a true Irish man so impressed with Scott that he was homesick for Ireland!
Black River Cheese Company, Black River- I brought home a block of Maple Cheddar..super yummy and also a 6 year old that I can't wait to taste!
As many spots as we got to visit, there are many more we did not get to but wanted to and I suspect they all would have been just as hospitable, just as eager to recommend a visit to their neighbours and just as wonderful, not to mention all the fabulous wine!
We will be back!
You should definitely go too!
From one end to the other the county is a beautiful drive full of scenic vistas and old farmsteads brimming with artist studios, wineries, restaurants, shops, inns, beautiful homes and so much more that the whole weekend was a fabulous adventure. The scenery reminded us of Prince Edward Island or a tour around Isle d'Orleans outside of Quebec City but so much closer to home. A break from the everyday, a very luxurious birthday gift for me and a true adventure, we highly recommend it to everyone!
Our pockets are a bit shallower after leaving quite a bit of coin behind to the very hardworking, deserving individuals scattered around the region. Our heads are filled to overflowing with ideas as we plan our own winery. So many friendly people to offer suggestions, tour us around, give us inside information as to the ins and outs of the industry...and perfect that we were able to go during the "off season" because they would have been too busy to chat had we gone when things are in full swing as they are swamped in the summer with so many people. Scott and I hit too many places to count! While a bit milder in temperature than our area, some growers there are also using the hybrid vines we grow in their wines and what we saw overall was a huge success story for their County.
What the people of Prince Edward showed us was anything is possible if you are willing to roll up your sleeves and get down to work, be hospitable and maybe just a little bit crazy thrown in with a whole lot of brave! Wouldn't it be wonderful if Pontiac followed in their footsteps? We already have so much, we're just not that great at showing off! A permanent arts trails, taste trail, and so much more? I'd love to know how they combined the initiative to grow their communities into the sensation it is...the results are stunning and something that they should all be very, very proud of!
Just a few "not to miss" stops we recommend-
The Manse, Picton -gourmet meals, luxurious accommodations, friendly, caring people...I already miss your shower, your sheets, and would love to steal recipes for so much of what you served!
Devils Wishbone Winery, Lake on the Mountain- they are running their business out of a fabulous old barn that they are renovating as they go...so fun and fabulous!...Thank you Paul and Jennifer for touring us through and humouring "the beginners"
Exultet Estates, Milford-they were bottling with their 3 kids, which is very reminiscent of how we roll around here...like it or not it's a family affair and one that seems to be working!
Harwood Estates, Hillier-Don and Judy thank you for your time and tour and the recommendations of how to grow and of other places to visit!
Redtail Vineyard, Consecon - an off grid, organic winery...Thank you, Gilbert for taking so much of your day to talk with us, educate us and go the extra mile, we love your barrel room!
As for the "big guys" these places are also very worth the visit:
The Grange, Hillier-a stunning building
Huff Estates, Hallowell-.a very modern winery, inn and gallery...wow in every sense, but very friendly none the less!
Closson Chase, Hillier-informative, friendly and neat decor
The Barley Room at The Waring House, Picton -where we got to celebrate St. Patty's with pub food, local cider and beer and great entertainment. Scott even broke into song at shows end which kept the revelry going for a good while after as other talents throughout the audience joined in. He even attracted the attention of a true Irish man so impressed with Scott that he was homesick for Ireland!
Black River Cheese Company, Black River- I brought home a block of Maple Cheddar..super yummy and also a 6 year old that I can't wait to taste!
As many spots as we got to visit, there are many more we did not get to but wanted to and I suspect they all would have been just as hospitable, just as eager to recommend a visit to their neighbours and just as wonderful, not to mention all the fabulous wine!
We will be back!
You should definitely go too!
Some of our purchases...these made with the same varieties we grow!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
My New Distraction
Seems to me I won't be posting a plethora of artistic endeavours here anytime soon... our newest challenge may just take up more time more quickly than we even dared to dream and surprise, surprise-we're not ready!
See, we began planting a vineyard last year. Jen loves the vino...Scott's not too far behind and we have this old pasture which we don't pasture the cows on anymore (another story for another day) that had been irritating me to no end as it grew up in weeds each year and looked, well...awful. We were also thinking it would be cool to supplement our income with something unique to the area and finally tried grapes after some persuasion from other growers much better established only half an hour's drive from home.
We were told 3 years until the vines came under production. We know we're very disorganized and three years seemed like miles away...lots of time for us to get our act together, right? Well...we waited a little too long to trellis and train the vines this spring. That turned to summer and to be entirely truthful we're still not done. Apparently the grapes we have were supposed to be loped off early spring in favour of establishing strong roots and a good base for future years. We just couldn't, they look too perfect! (Hope our decision doesn't bite us in the butt this winter!) Regardless...look and see! Aren't they wonderful?
Here they are last year...shipped by Canada Post right to our doorstep!
The varieties are Swanson, Marquette and Frontenac Gris, Rouge and Blanc.
Here they are as they appeared at the start of July while I was pruning...
very vigorous growth...they're nuts!! ...and now...drum roll please!...
Aren't they AWESOME!?
We live in Shawville, Quebec, Canada...the Ottawa Valley! Even growers that live only an hour east wondered if we could grow and although it's far too soon to tell whether they'll survive the requisite 3 winters before we can consider licensing...here they are...looking pretty spiffy if I do say so myself...I think I'm in love! Swoon!
So here's the question: Anyone know how to make really good wine from cold climate grapes?
We know it's done, we've tasted some great stuff but to know what to do with them already? Thought we had at least one more winter to research, learn and likely find an individual with expertise. (not to mention acquire equipment to handle produce from 500 plant) Oh and we planted more babies this spring. Yikes! So once again, life may be getting busy! But it's a happy busy...aren't they awesome?
Okay...crazy lady out! See ya!
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