LAST DAYS AT SEIDELBERG

In the beginning of harvest i asked cerina for a weekend off at the end of harvest, or end of march. We (family and friends) were going on a quad biking weekend near my old home town. As harvest went on the grapes didn't come in like clockwork because of the rain and cool weather - which slowed down ripening. Well by the end of march, not all the grapes were in and pump overs were still going on every night. So with insecurity I left for the weekend. I also left earlier the Friday, because it was a three hour drive to Vanrhynsdorp, west coast.

Before left for the weekend, that week was so busy at the cellar. We did about 70 tons that week. I remember the Friday, we started sorting Cabernet sauvignon grapes (which they harvested the previous day) at about 06:30 and we finished 14:30. By that time, when you looked up from the sorting table nothing was in focus. I did the last bit of work and then said goodbye to everyone. I remember the guys in the cellar were all down because i got off, but also because i left earlier.

The plan was to go back on Monday morning and continue working for about 2 more weeks. Well, apparently there were other plans for me. Saturday on the farm, vanrhynsdorp, i sprained my ankle very badly and i couldn't go back to work. That evening was the end of harvest for me. It broke my heart knowing i was done with harvest - i didn't have time to prepare myself for the shock. Then also i felt like shit letting down everyone in the cellar, especially cerina.\

I got back Sunday and i was so scared to phone her.... i feel i let her down.