From Vines to Vintage
Recently, I had the opportunity to step into a whole new world: grape harvesting at DC Estate Winery in South Beloit, Illinois. Nestled in the rolling countryside where Illinois and Wisconsin meet, this Tuscan-inspired winery offers more than wine, it offers connection, community, and the beauty of slowing down.
When my friend Trina invited Joanie and me to join her at her cousin Malerie and husband Ethan’s family winery, I didn’t even hesitate. The idea of harvesting grapes sounded adventurous, grounding, and honestly, just plain fun. Little did I know it would turn into a soul-filling day that felt both contemplative and celebratory.
Our day started with a 90 minute commute to arrive before the sun had fully warmed the earth. After signing waivers, slipping on gloves, and picking up our grape-harvesting tools, we were given a quick lesson: cut the stem above where the small and large grape bunches connect, discard what wasn’t usable, and move row by row, cluster by cluster. Simple enough in explanation, but in practice, it required patience, focus, and care. Rows upon rows of grapevines stretched before us, kissed by the morning light.
The grapes we harvested were Itasca, a hardy variety perfect for Midwest winemaking. Over the next five hours, together with the rest of the group (15-17 people in total), we harvested over 3,600 pounds (enough to create 1,500 bottles of wine). What a beautiful thought: the fruit of our labor would one day be bottled and shared as a celebration on someone’s table.
Harvesting grapes wasn’t hard labor like I had imagined. Instead, it felt meditative. At times, I worked quietly, the repetitive snip of my shears syncing with the breeze moving through the vines. Other times, laughter and conversation bubbled up between rows as I chatted with friends and strangers.
It struck me how life-giving simple, mindful work can be. Surrounded by sun, mild temperatures, and good company, I felt both energized and grounded. Of course, I imagine doing this day after day under a blazing summer sun would be a very different story, but for me, this one perfect day was a gift.
Once we finished the harvest, we gathered together for a well-earned lunch. The winery owners were warm, grateful, full of heart, and thanked each of us for our part in their yearly ritual. They even sent us home with a bottle of wine from the previous year’s harvest. What a full-circle moment, grapes that others picked last season now in our hands, soon to be enjoyed with friends and family.
It reminded me that everything in life is a cycle. What we nurture today becomes tomorrow’s fruit. Whether it’s tending vines, building relationships, or growing into the best version of ourselves, each small step compounds into something beautiful.
As someone who grew up close to the land, this day spoke to my farm-girl soul. Being outdoors, working with my hands, and experiencing the quiet satisfaction of honest labor reminded me how much I value simplicity. It was relaxing, cathartic, and deeply fulfilling. An adventure that will stay with me long after the last grape has been crushed.
Lessons from the Vines:
Learning something new keeps us alive. Even if it’s just how to clip grapes from a vine, stepping outside your comfort zone is refreshing.
Work can be play when shared. Laughter, friendship, and teamwork make even the hardest jobs lighter.
Connection is everywhere. From the vines, to the grapes, to the people who will one day toast with a glass of the wine, we’re all part of the story.
And to think… all it took was saying yes. New experiences don’t just teach us something, they remind us of who we are and expand our hearts to what we can become. Sometimes, the sweetest things in life happen when we step outside our routines and into the vines. Cheers to new adventures, unexpected lessons, and the beauty of community, one cluster at a time.
xo, Sheryl
PS … DC Estate Winery is beautiful and it’s definitely worth the drive. They’ve got great things happening there. Thanks Malerie and Ethan!
PSS … Itasca is similar to a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio (a dry white wine with aromas of pear, quince, violet, melon, minerals and subtle honey).
DC Estate Winery Facebook Page
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