El Mago de la Pisca

Coaches Corner

As far back as I can remember I have always been good or at least decent at sports, or any physical activity for that matter. Every once in a while I will try to jump in the mix and pick alongside the boys. Normally I get a few laughs and heckles or someone will tell me bluntly "It would be better for us if you can deleaf." Deleafing of course clears a path for the boys to pick effortlessly at a humming clip.

Today, however, I was deteremined to pick with the best of 'em. Well maybe not the best of them. And anyway, deleafing is sort of a bummer. All work and no glory.

More importantly the pick today went slow and in order for the fruit to make it up and over the mountain into Napa and then up Howell Mountain I decided the boys could use an extra hand. Even if it belonged to a gabacho. Picked, picked and picked heaps of Pinot we did as the afternoon sun began to heat up the Petaluma Gap. Uncannily warm for the region and time of year. Sweet poured down my shirt as we picked away at littled bunches increasing covered with wasps and bees where wounded grapes ouzed out pulp.

I might not have much picking style but the guy below certainly does. Rotate your head 90 degrees and check it out!

Macha Scissorhands