I’ve always loved Fall in New England - the crisp air, the foliage, and the seasonal foods, pumpkin cheesecake in particular, have always been a few of my seasonal highlights. But now, owning a winery in Maine, Fall has even more meaning.  Now, it marks the end of the season for the vineyard tasting room and the beginning for the next years’ wines. There’s reflection and anticipation aplenty.To celebrate the season that was and the year’s harvest, we hosted The Second Annual Romp and Stomp Harvest Festival at the vineyard - joy and community were in abundance that day. Against the backdrop of a beautiful sunny day, 5,000 people, including some close friends, came and had fun with us. Wine and food samplings, bbq lunch, music, hot air balloons, antique cars,  and other things provided treats for all the senses. And people shared - with a great sense of community, donations were collected for local families for Thanksgiving dinners. It was a perfect end to a wonderfully fulfilling season. The bounty of the farm,  including grapes, of course, potatoes, pumpkins, and garlic, has been harvested. And now, the smells of wine fermenting are filling the winery - the prospects for 2009 and beyond. The cellar is overflowing with energy. So, as always, I am thankful. Fall 2008 has showered me with blessings in the form of happy memories of the season and hope for those to come. Bettina