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What's it like to grow grapes – not just a few bunches hanging from an arbor in your back yard. But a whole field of them – thousands of vines which produce so many grapes that it takes an army of people to pick them when they get ripe. These grapes are not for eating (although they taste pretty good), but will be sold to wineries which will press out the juice to make fine wines to drink with dinner or be enjoyed at festive occasions. What does it take to do all this? All kinds of farm machinery, like tractors and sprayers and mowers, and gadgets to keep birds, deer and other hungry beasties from eating the fruit while it is growing on the vines. You also need ways to keep the vines healthy while the grapes ripen, to protect them from diseases and bad weather. It's hard work, but it can be fun-an adventure which leads to a bountiful crop at harvest. The Vineyard Book serves not only children as entertaining reading, but also adults who might be considering planting a vineyard. About the Author. Jack Johnston really does own and manage Copernica Vineyards in Maryland, which really does grow Cabernet Sauvignon, which the winemakers really have made into prize-winning wines. About the Artist. Moira Manion lives in Minnesota and when this project started she didn't know beans about grapes. She does now. She's a great artist, don't you think?
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