According to a US government Department of Labor website, “Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.”

Today American workers contribute to the economy by providing goods and services to others. There are many seldom seen jobs and careers of which the public may not be aware. In the wine industry, there are the vineyard managers and workers. At the wineries one will find winemakers, assistant winemakers and cellar masters. The work in the vineyards and wineries is year round. However one of the most hard and stressful times of the year must be during harvest. The vineyardists are desperately praying that rain does not fall in the vineyards until the grapes are harvested. As soon as the brix level is high enough to make a good wine, it’s time to harvest and it must be done in hours. Quickly the grapes must be shipped to the wineries where the winemaker must have everything ready to go. These days the hours of work can be as much as 12 to 18 hours a day. The winemaking process does not happen on a nine to five daily job. (That’s why legislation limiting winery hours will not work.)

As you realize winemaking is work from the vineyards to the tasting room or wine shop. That’s why we suggest that if you are enjoying a visit to a winery, remember those free tastings actually cost the winery. When you discover wines you like at a winery, purchase a bottle or two perhaps even a case. This is especially important for wineries where tastings are free.

Enjoy today and plan a trip to a winery!

Cheers! Kathy