While in the Poconos a few months back, I had an opportunity to visit the Blue Ridge Winery. Part of the tour package was that we got to pick grapes off the vines that later ended up as the main ingredient for some of their wines. I didn't understand why they had to bribe us with pizza, but it wouldn't be long before I found out. How hard can grape picking be?
The first thing we had to do was grab a large blue bucket which already had some grapes in it from others picking before us. As I went to pick up the bucket, I happened to notice that there were approximately 20 bees flying around and inside the bucket. Now I understand that the bees probably were only interested in the grapes, but explain that to someone who is terrified of all these bees laying the smackdown on me.
Okay, so maybe the bucket is the only scary part of the process. As the manager of the winery was explaining what to do, I figured that I would jump in and start. There was no problem as I started filling the bucket with grapes, but then I guess word got out among the bees that the guy who didn't take too kindly to them being in the bucket was on the other end of the field picking grapes. As I started moving down the line, I was swarmed by at least 30 bees. How do pickers do this all day long?
While the pizza wasn't too bad, it wasn't worth the price of dodging bees! I very quickly headed inside for our wine tasting making sure none of my yellow jacketed friends were following me. I guess picking grapes is not for me!