Happy Wine Wednesday!  Vines all over the northern hemisphere are in the process of veraison.  This viticultural term refers to the start of the accelerated ripening of grapes. Grape "berries" (as they are called) are tiny, hard, acidic green balls, but at the onset of veraison, skin coloration occurs, the fruit begins to soften,  acid levels start to fall and sugar levels increase.  If you study a bunch of grapes at this time in the vineyard, you will notice that each berry goes through veraison at it's own speed.  Growers are keeping a close eye on what's occurring on the vine right now as each variety nears its specific harvest time.  Aren't they beautiful?!! xoSB