Proud to be Wine

Reflection No. 34

Hello, my name is Jill, and I am a California grape—a Napa Valley grape! You may have read the story of my cousin, Gisele. She lives far away in Europe but we have been keeping in touch by grape-mail via the clouds since veraison (before that we were too young to communicate very well). 

Gisele and I have a lot in common but I am much feistier than she is. We are both very proud of our heritage and perfect in our balance, structure, color and ripeness. That last word, ripeness, is scary, though. I had heard stories of what occurs to grapes when they are fully ripe. Gisele seemed to accept what happened next better than I did. When the commotion of harvest began, I kept screaming at the top of my grapiness, “Not me! Not me! Not me!” But they did not listen, and just like Gisele I found myself without my nurturing vine to give me comfort and sustenance. No more communing with the grapes I used to hang with. My life kept morphing, transforming and mutating. I was transmigrating into a different incarnation. I know those are a lot of big words, but the experience was intense! Finally I had become wine — whatever that is.

Now, months later, I find myself in a bottle next to plates of warm, colorful food. I can hear people’s voices — convivial, full of affection. They are certainly enjoying each other, and it is obvious they are enjoying me as well. There is very little of me left now and the people pour me ceremoniously into their glasses. The view is kind of nice from here. I can see the people clearly as they lift me into the air and make a toast to lifelong friendship. They bring me to their lips with such anticipation that I am certain I have led an honorable life. I am proud to be wine and bring so much pleasure.

This story was written by Sylvia Klenz, a dear and clever friend in California who felt Gisele was lonely. It is the perfect conclusion to the “life of a grape” series. Life is so much better with good friends!