Happy St. Morand's Day.

Yes indeedy, this day is dedicated to the patron saint of winegrowers, the one and only St. Morand. Apparently this Benedictine monk was chosen for the job because it is said that he endured one Lent by eating only a bunch of grapes. I wonder which grape variety matures in late winter?
The gorgeous poochy, posing as St. Morand, in the photograph above was the original Vinodog. Unfortunately no longer with us, she was a faithful companion and worked alongside Vinomaker and me as we plotted out the vineyard - mainly digging up gophers, but it's the thought that counts, right? Her happy spirit still lingers in Vinoland, she was a great dog.