The Vineyard: The Pleasures and Perils of Creating an American Family Winery - Hardcover

Hargrave, Louisa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0670032212 ISBN 13: 9780670032211

Publisher: Viking Adult, 2003

Synopsis

Traces the efforts of Harvard graduates Louisa and Alex Hargrave to establish Long Island's first vinyard, describing their search along the coasts of the United States, their purchase of a potato farm, their struggles with natural elements, and their experiences of raising a family.

About this title

Review:

When Louisa and Alex Hargrave bought an old potato farm in 1973 with plans to start a vineyard, they had "no farm experience and little life experience." What they did have was enthusiasm, optimism, a strong relationship, and just enough naivete to attempt what no one else had before managed: to create a viable winery on New York"s Long Island. Though experts said it was impossible, they successfully planted ten thousand vinifera vines and started a venture that lasted 30 years and inspired many others to start wineries in the area. The Vineyard is Louisa Hargrave's memoir of the endeavor and the price she paid to make her dreams come true.

True pioneers, the Hargraves learned their trade from scratch and raised their children close to the land. Louisa even strapped her babies to her back while working in the fields. Along the way, they encountered many predictable natural obstacles, including foul weather, pestilence, and disease, along with more than their fair share of man-made problems, such as meddlesome neighbors, vindictive bureaucrats, and money shortages. But their life was not all weeding and grafting; they also experienced the glamorous, and often absurd, world of professional wine making, complete with wealthy eccentrics and heavily politicized wine-tasting competitions.

Despite the success of the business, the experience took a heavy toll on her family, and she writes frankly about disappointments and marital problems without distracting from the main storyline. Her breezy tone and lively storytelling skills make the book an enjoyable read even for those with limited knowledge of wine-making. In short, the farm and life experience she gained over the past 30 years is worth passing on. --Shawn Carkonen

About the Author:

Louisa Thomas Hargrave is a former owner of Hargrave Vineyard, established in 1973 in Cutchogue, New York.

About this edition

• Publisher: Viking Adult
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0670032212
• ISBN 13: 9780670032211
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 272