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Автор Рита Мэй Браун
SOUR PUSS
RITA MAE BROWN
SNEAKY PIE BROWN
Acknowledgments
Ruth Dalsky dumped a cartonload of technical information concerning diseases and pests that attack grapes. It's the only time in my life I have regretted not taking organic chemistry in college. She proved a whirlwind of research as well as a cherished friend.
Lynn Stevenson, my neighbor, trooped herself out to local vineyards. She also made numerous phone calls for specific information to vintners. She was in her element because she and her husband, Gib, appreciate fine wine, but also Lynn isn't happy unless she's learning something or doing something productive. God forbid she sit idle. Nor would she take a penny for her considerable efforts. Kay Pfaltz, an expert in these matters, put together a carton of reds and whites for Lynn. Well, Lynn thought that was too much, so she wrote a check to the hunt club for my foxhounds. Lynn, you really are worth the money/wine! (And you're an original. )
Kristin Moses of Kluge Estate Winery and Vineyard helped Lynn in her efforts, as did David King of King Vineyards. Veritas Vineyards and White Hall Vineyards also answered questions. Those who go from the vine to the bottle, every step of this arduous process, are so happy to share their knowledge. Truly, it is a great passion.
Kaiser Bill, retired polo pony, feels strongly that Lynn Stevenson would not have been able to perform her wonders without his contributions. That horse lives like a king thanks to "Mom" Lynn
One of the most unique experiences in preparing for this novel was visiting Chellowe, an estate founded in the early 1700s, near what is now Route 15, in Buckingham County, Virginia. Owned by Mr. and Mrs.
Gene Dixon, this extraordinary place is being restored using all the original methods and, in most cases, materials. It has been years in the doing and will be some years yet before completion. Chellowe was the site of the first grant in the Old Dominion to create a vinery. Its original owner, Mr. Bollin, was also a poet. Perhaps the wine induced the Muses.Mr. Lucius Bracey, Jr. , provided prompt answers to my question about the disposition of bail money. In over thirty years, Lucius has always come through.
Should you become interested in any of the above-mentioned vineyards, some are occasionally open to the public, others are open year-round.
I should confess here that I don't drink wine. I don't drink, period. I'm not an alcoholic who must avoid spirits. I never learned to like the taste, and as a youth, being varsity, I never wanted to risk getting on the bad side of Coach, which drinking would do.
However, I was born to farming and farm now, so studying the methods of cultivating the various types of grape, the necessary soil, sun and altitude conditions, provoked intense admiration for those people running vineyards. Farming is not for weak hearts anyway, but operating a vineyard is unbelievably intense in both labor, intelligence involved, and cold, hard cash. Next time you drink a good vintage, say a prayer for the person out there in the fields who started it all.
