Monday, September 9, 2024, was a monumental day for Mumana Vineyards. Not only was it our first commercial harvest of some new Itasca grapes, but it also marked the very first harvest under the “Mumana” name, with Kim and Chan at the helm. After months of preparation and dedication, we were thrilled to finally bring in the fruit of our labour, quite literally.

Wet Weekend Worries

Leading up to the big day, the weekend brought some rain, but by Monday morning, the skies had cleared, setting the stage for an ideal harvest. Our Itasca vines, planted just four years ago, delivered a crop that exceeded all expectations. While this was a smaller harvest due to the vines’ youth, we couldn’t be more excited about the grape quality. Despite the rains, the sugars in the grapes were not diluted, there was no splitting, and most importantly, the vines showed no signs of rot.

Working With Furry Friends

This year has been all about nurturing these young vines and safeguarding the crop from the ever-present threats of pests and weather. Birds and raccoons did their best to get at the grapes, but thanks to newly installed fencing and sound deterrents, we managed to keep the majority at bay. It’s a delicate balance we aim to strike between letting nature run its course and protecting the vines so they can deliver the best possible fruit.

While the Itasca harvest was modest this year, we’re proud of how well the vines have performed. Next year, we expect the yield to be significantly larger, but for now, we’re taking a moment to appreciate this important milestone.

This harvest is a celebration of resilience and new beginnings, not only for the vines but also for the future of Mumana Vineyards. The journey ahead is exciting, and we can’t wait to see where it leads.

Here’s to many more harvests and the bright future of Mumana Vineyards!