In the Heart and Surroundings
- “They sowed fields and planted vineyards that yielded a fruitful harvest.” Psalm 107:37
I have had a marvelous time on my Sunday afternoon excursions getting familiar with my surroundings. The heart of Harford County, Bel Air, agrees with me very much. Out on the periphery there is so much I like about the area, too!
One Sunday afternoon I wandered and stopped at Harford Vineyards and Winery along the Gunpowder Wine Trail. Although a teetotaler, that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate seeing the settings of the vineyards, learning about the process and the operations of the craft – winemaking and also about the proprietors.
When I visited, it was the first weekend of “masks required enforcement.” I was so grateful to see the story of the winery’s beginnings called Through the Eyes of a 2nd Generation Farmer posted at the door because inquisitive me would have loved to have asked but it’s hard to have a long discussion with masks on. 
The vineyard owner and I did have a fruitful discussion about how the vineyard was going great guns, and had alas really been feeling their mojo with a full schedule of summer events. Unfortunately much had been temporarily halted due to the virus. Thus is the story for many businesses. Thanks be to God, operations are now slowly resuming.
I’m sharing this introduction to the Harford Vineyard and Winery because I love stories of family business which a lot can be learned from. A greater appreciation of the challenges and dedication it takes to build a business from the ground up comes out of it. Anyone who enters into a business that is well established has been given a gift, a huge “leg up.”
The fruit of the vine of being a writer is discovering other people’s inspirational stories, not just telling my own. The hunt for and faith that there will come another good story that’s fulfilling is what I find so very rewarding about blogging.
In case you were wondering, I purchased a bottle of vino so when I have company I can share a little bit of Harford County’s fruits with others. And I look forward to going back to Harford Vineyards for one of their Fireside Saturdays in the chillier seasons or perhaps for their live 2nd Friday music evenings. Check out their website.
