The Burgundy Grape Harvest

Taking a break from renovating The Hungry cyclist Lodge and planning tailor-made cycling holidays in Burgundy I decided to slip into my wellington boots and pick grapes for a few days in the prestigious village of  Gevry-Chambertin. Last year the pickers and porters were bathed in late summer sunshine that ripened the fruit. In 2012 an autumn chill filled the air while heavy rains mixed with the regions famous 'terroir' to create thick mud. Waking in the dark, getting back into damp clothes and trudging in heavy mud is not a huge amount of fun, but like it or not, these weather conditions are vital in creating another unique harvest for Burgundy wine in 2012.

Here is a gallery of images that I hope give some insight into the human element that goes into each years vintage. Click on the thumbnails to scroll through the gallery.