The Spider and the Wasp!

Today's Blog is going to be a little different. I'm going to tell you a story. This story is a true story about a...'Spider and a Wasp'.
I know, you're wondering what this 'story' has to do with growing grapes and making fabulous wines. I promise you, that by the end of this story, you will understand.
The other day, on the way to the vineyard, my attention was drawn to a commotion near the base of an ancient oak tree. On closer observation, the cause of this commotion was revealed. A spider and a wasp were in mortal combat. They were rolling and tumbling on the ground. Each was trying to get the upper hand. Throughout history, no two adversaries were more evenly matched. With a bite from the spiders fangs the wasp would die! With a sting from the wasp and the spider would perish. I stood, silently, watching this real-life melodrama unfold. There could only be one victor from this battle. The winner would live...the loser would not. Finally, the commotion ceased. Everything became quiet. Then, there was movement. The winner moved around and around the losers still body. Was it a victory dance? Entranced with what I had just seen, I watched as the "WASP" grasped the limp body of the spider. Yes, the WASP had prevailed. Temporarily, my life was put on hold. I had to follow this story to the last scene of the last act. The wasp proceeded to drag the spider up the trunk of the old oak tree. After a couple of drops and false starts, he, finally, managed to reach a height of about 3 feet off the ground. With his wings in full motion and the spider in his clutches, the wasp took to flight. After a mere 3 or 4 feet, the wasp and the spider dropped back to the ground. Undeterred, the wasp, again, began dragging his spoils up the truck of a nearby maple tree. Over and over again, the wasp would 'climb, fly, drop, drag...climb, fly, drop, drag,' but...he never gave up! Why was the wasp so driven? Then, the picture became clear. He was taking his hard won quarry back to his home and the hungry mouths of his offspring. Hanging from the main vine of the Magnolia grapevine was his nest.
Because we're a "Green, environmentally responsible vineyard and winery", we understand and appreciate the subtle rhythms of nature. The Wasp is a predator. Not only does he take an occasional spider, but, most often, his prey are the aphids, leaf hoppers and the worms that attack our grapevines. By learning to share our world with the wasp, we are able to appreciate and understand the benefits of sustainable agriculture. So, the next time that you enjoy a glass of our beautiful 'Red or White' wine, please remember, it is brought to you with the help of our friend...the "WASP"!  

'Salute and Happy Days'