I spent approximately 3 months living, working, and traveling in France with my friend Mark Snyder. My reasons for taking a semester off to pursue this experience included: desire to get away from school for awhile, the chance to learn all about the wine industry, improve my resume with international work, attend several famous celebrations that take place in Europe during the fall, and to satisfy my required internship for school.

Above: Clipping and inspecting Pinot Noir grapes.

Above: The process of "pouring over" whereby the wine on the bottom of the fermentation tank is siphoned over the grape skins. Right: Pushing down the grape skins to insure the proper flavor, aroma, and balance to the final product.

So in late July I left Italy to meet up with my boss Joe Thompson. We originally met in Kansas City while I was helping research a project involving the purchase of land in Southern France to start a winery/health spa. That project never really took off, but I did take the opportunity to ask Joe about working the grape harvest. He said they could use some extra help so I managed to secure a job  lasting from August through October. I spent most of that time in Corgoloin, France which lies in the heart of the famous Burgundy wine region. Prior to the actual grape harvest, Mark and I did odd jobs ranging from construction to helping lead bicycle tours. We also did our share of gardening and maintaining the grape vines in the hot sun.

I spent lots of time working my butt off, yet I think that was the kind of work I truly needed for a change. Life was fairly boring at times because hardly anyone spoke English except for Mark, Joe and I. We did spend lots of time outside exploring the nearby villages, vineyards and wildlife. I often traveled via bicycle, but at times got to drive the car or ride on a tractor. Some of my favorite activities included: hiking around the old abandoned rock quarry, hunting for mushrooms, various wine tastings too numerous to mention, meeting some interesting locals, playing ball with Mark and Joe, reading up on wine, visiting nearby towns like Beaune, etc.

I was constantly eating grapes, drinking wine, and trying all sorts of new food. Our accommodations were a rather humble farmhouse with Joe and his sister Bridgette. We all worked for a man named Eric Pansiot who lived just down the road.  

Above:  Holding my prized Burgundy Snail.   Right: Emerging with my daily ration of French bread.