Bacchus

Offering your wine
Sparkling, red, rosé or white
Since antiquity

You demand hard work
Before allowing a feast,
And we need some luck.

First comes spring pruning
Removing the weaker wood
Then training the vines.

Watching the leaves grow
The sun then ripens the grapes
Expectations rise.

Hazards always lurk
Damp weather, mildew, aphids,
Then a lost harvest.

After the summer heat
Comes the time to pluck ripe grapes.
This year has been good.

Tradition explains
Vintners learn anew each year
To blend, let ferment.

When the cork pops out
And the glass fills up with wine
We respect your art.

Generous Bacchus
Our honored guest, faithful friend
Welcome to dinner.

We pour in your glass
Smooth, dry Châteauneuf-du-Pape
With a light bouquet.

Your sensitive nose
Recognizes this vintage
A votre santé!

© Mark Shardine

Mark is New Jersey poet, and has offered to let us post his recent works sharing his love for wine!