Harvest has begun with a bang as the unseasonably warm weather this growing season has accelerated the ripening process. It’s a time of great anticipation and frenzied energy both for wineries and for contributing photographer Richard Duval. He plans to criss cross wine communities from Whidbey to Walla Walla with camera at the ready this harvest – so much so that we’re shifting the Pic of the Vine to a weekly post throughout harvest and crush.

“For the next six weeks, I’ll capture scenes of joy and a bit of anxiety as winemakers and growers hustle to beat the clock and bring in grapes,” Duval said.

Today’s image is of freshly harvested Tempranillo, captured August 31st from Dineen Vineyard in Yakima Valley. Click on the picture to see a larger image. Enjoy!