They started a week ago, picking the Roussanne for the cuvee "C'est pas de Pipeau". That's always a family affair. The kids are old enough not to slice their fingers off with the secateurs now. The fruit was good and there was quite a lot of it. The heat hadn't done as much damaged as feared, and the late rains in spring, as well as a few timely downfalls more recently, helped. 

Grenache for rosé has come in this week. They're a little short staffed at the winery. I feel I should be there. I've not been back since last year's harvest. That's longest time away since I started going down there. I was supposed to head over for my birthday, in May, but weather, Ryanair, and striking French air traffic controllers conspired against me. 

Soon, though. There will still be wine left to make. Some whites, maybe, but mostly red. I'm excited. Anxious, even. And a little sad it's all started without me.