In the spring and in the autumn, many wineries and vineyards host a Blessing of Vines or a Blessing of the Harvest.  A Celebrant or member of the clergy will bestow a blessing for healthy vines and a fruitful harvest, or offer thanks for another productive season.

In ancient Rome, in the spring, they held a festival called Vinalia prima.  It was held in April in honor of Venus who provided humans with everyday wine.  In August, Vinalia rustica was held.  Jupiter was the god honored during this celebration because of his control over the weather and the ripening of the grapes.  Blessing the grapes also meant abundance to the community.

Today, we still bless the vines in the spring to ensure a bountiful crop.  And, in the autumn, a harvest blessing is offered where the grapes are blessed, as are the vines that produced them, and the laborers who worked among them.

Vineyard blessings may be private affairs with just family, friends, and workers.  Some vineyards expand the ceremony into a full-fledged public event, offering winery tours, music, art exhibitions, food, and, of course, wine tastings.

From Ecclesiastes 9:7, “Go eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart.”

Who wouldn’t want to be a part of this?  Call me to learn more.