Grapes Without A View

For the first time ever, my planted grape seeds germinated. Maybe because they were 'local'?  I doubt it, but I'll never know.
This photo is from May 29, 2019.

2 of 4 eventual seedlings.

Little baby Cab Franc seedlings.  Now, I have tried seeds from Saint-Émilion, British Columbia, Italy, Quebec, and all over California (do the Feds know this - editor).
Nada.

Time to move on.


And then this happened.  How fun.  Now what? Nothing.  Just let 'em grow and enjoy the greenery.

Then two more seedlings pop out (pic is from June 16, 2019) and I start planning my #patiovineyard.

Only 3 here, but a little later a 4th popped out.

Getting serious, now.  Four vines.  Delusions of grandeur start filtering through my head.  Not really, but still fun.  Time to find a vessel to hold these beauties.
Another funny thing occurred while this was happening on our back patio.
{ BTW, I should mention that I have the full support and encouragement of #TheLovelyWife ™ . I think she may have delusions of grandeur :) } 
I had just discovered the joys of podcasts (I have a long work-commute). Read an article in the NY Times by their wine writer, Eric Asimov - yes, he is related to this guy. Unfortunately, it is likely behind a paywall today.
Anyway, it was about Levi Dalton and his podcast. Since then, I am a Wine Podcast junkie. But that is another story.  
Back to my seedlings. I decided that everything I learned listening to Levi and a few guys from Sonoma County, among others, I would put into practice on my #Patiovineyard. 
I drink the stuff, why not see what it is like to grow it. Are you aware of the info available on YouTube about grape-growing? 
 I believe this is one of the earliest pics I have a the seedlings.

May 11, 2019

 

As the 'bumper art' from the old Tonight Show would say, more to come...

While I was away...

Meanwhile.  For as long as I can remember (that's not very long - editor) I have been saving grape seeds.  Anytime I visit a winery and they allow picking a few grapes to taste, I do. I always spit the seeds to my hand and then a pocket, ideally in a Kleenex.
Way back in October, 2018, while on a hike through the Back Bay of Newport beach, we walked by the private estate of Newport Beach Vineyard & Winery. As luck would have it, they were hosting a Brunch / Grape Harvest party.

My sheers and payload.

Being on the outside of the fence where grapes were not accessible to the crew, I had them pass shears through to me.  I cut off those out of reach and handed them back. They offered a small bunch for a snack...
Moments later the foreman waved us over, thanking us for the help. Then invited us in, allowing us to continue the harvest, joining the taco brunch/lunch, AND a glass of wine. Several hours later we left, never finishing our hike ;)

As I always do with the seeds I save, after drying, I plant them.  See next post...