What does it mean to be halfway there? A grapevine shares its story – offering unexpected wisdom on summer, growth, and why we keep going. by Chad
For some reason, it seemed appropriate to write about the halfway point… Yes, there are 52 weeks in a year and we’re at Week 31, so we’re technically past the halfway mark. As we approach another harvest, as the pumpkins flower and begin to size, as summer break for the boys reaches its final month – the halfway point can be viewed so many ways.
We absolutely love summer with our boys, so being past the halfway point is bittersweet – it makes us savor what’s left. But when you’re doing something challenging, like a distance race or a tough-as-hell workout (literally happened this week – “we’re almost to the halfway point”), the halfway mark is like cresting the final hill or finally reaching the bottom and climbing back out.
So today, I’m going to share what the halfway point looks like for the farm – and in particular, the grapes. Maybe this is a bit of long-form poetry… or a love story. Each year, each season has its own beautiful moments. My hope is that this is a refreshing look at the beautiful crop cycle we love so much.
Is There a True Halfway Point in the Vineyard?
As I jump in – is there really a halfway point in wine grapes? Or is it more metaphorical? After all, the vines are alive every year, continuously. It’s not like planting a vegetable from seed where there’s a very clear beginning and end. But is there an end? Even crops from seed are a continuation of thousands of years of lineage – generation to generation.
Maybe it’s better described from the grape’s perspective.
A Pinot Noir Tells All
**“Hi, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Lake Chelan AVA Pinot Noir, sometimes referred to as the Life-Changing Pinot Noir. I don’t care what you call me, as long as what I’m producing is something you enjoy – and use to connect with others.
“I was born in 2017 – well, kind of ‘born again’ when I got shoved into the ground by the Steiners’ friends and family. Since then, I’ve been putting down roots. I turned 9 this year. And yes, I look at each year separately… winter is my big sleep, and I wake up in spring ready to reach for the sky and produce more grapes for you to enjoy. But let’s get to it – Chad asked me to talk about the ‘halfway point.’
“Right now, I’ve got a huge crop compared to the last couple of years – which is insanely exciting. Next time you visit, walk into a row and see for yourself. Since my berries have started turning color and building up sugar (you know, the sweet stuff yeast turns into wine), I’m really focused on the finish.
“The season has been good to me. Since I’m 9 years old, my roots run deep – and I’ve found water down there. So is this the halfway point? It kind of feels like the home stretch. For me, April felt like halfway. Either way, I’ve got work to do to get these grapes ready for the crush pad. Probably two more months to go until I reach the ‘life-changing’ point.
“But before I get too caught up in thoughts of harvest, let me reflect. To Chad’s point, it does feel like a milestone. Think about it: I’m out here on a north-facing slope. I compete with weeds (this regenerative organic “transition” thing is sometimes for the birds), fight off powdery mildew, and suffer the occasional leaf hopper sucking out my chlorophyll (really not nice). So, yeah – halfway. I’ve put on a big crop (gonna be extra life-changing), fended off most pests, and my clusters are sugaring up. I’ve crested the hill.
“And in winemaker Jeana’s words – she’s going to try and let us grapes show off in the winery. I’m on the home stretch. I’ve climbed the hill. I’m on the final push.”**
Milestones, and the Climb Ahead
I bet you never knew Pinot Noir had so much to say. Maybe that’s why you all love this wine so much (we’re humbled) – these vines work their “clusters” off to create something elegant, clean, and connection-fueling.
In some ways, this time of year is the last flat stretch before the final climb. It’s a good time to take stock of what we’ve accomplished so far: hosting literally hundreds of you here, planting all our annual crops – pumpkins, flowers, veggies – pruning, thinning, lambing, somewhat organizing the garage (lol), spraying (yes, organic does mean spray), bottling, celebrating WA wine, dining together, and more.
But I have to be honest – there are seasonal halfway points, and there are life halfway points. In life, it feels like we’re just getting started with this farm and winery journey. We’ve crossed major milestones – like turning 20 acres into a working farm and winery where people can connect with each other, with nature, and with farming through wine.
Let Your “Why” Be the Fuel
Maybe the moral of this week’s blog is this: whatever might be ahead of you, when you hit the proverbial halfway point – what do you do to summon your energy for the final climb, for the last 50%?
Because once you take even a single step forward, you’ve come more than halfway.
This is the moment to dig deep – to ask, why am I doing this? That’s my fuel. The “why” is the fuel. Maybe you have some sales to make or goals you want to hit in 2025. There’s still time. Go for it. Let your “why” inspire the next step.
It’s easy to summon energy for the 20-hour days of harvest when we’re hosting all of you in the fall. Why? Because every one of you brings your gratitude, your smile, your joy on a Life-Changing tractor ride. We absolutely love hosting you.
Thank you for being the “why” that drives us up the final hill. We appreciate you.
Cheers,
