Three Wishes Vineyard

I am not yet wise, nor am I old, so I’ve had to borrow a few lines for an introduction to this blog site from someone who was. The classic Greek philosopher Epicurus, much loved in food and wine circles for his challenge to individuals to indulge in nature and its bounty, was believed to have summarized a three step path to happiness in life. He said to be truly happy, one must firstly chose a life of self sufficiency over one of accumulating wealth and power, with special emphasis on the pleasures that relatively simple things can bring in life...such as herbs, gardens...food, wine.... “The wealth required by nature is limited and easy to procure, but the wealth required by vain ideals extends to infinity”. Secondly, he said an individual should try to surround themselves with loved ones and close friends as much as is possible, and lastly one must have regular time out for quiet self contemplation and philosophy. Epicurus ???? Vineyards ????

His words, to me at least, have been an anthem to “downshifting” or “sea change”, and are proving music to the most recent chapter in my life. Belive me, I get plenty of time out for contemplation when working on my vines ! Epicurus may have helped get me here, but this existence would be dull indeed if life was bounded by cold philosophy alone ! As Keats once said “...philosophy will clip an angels wings, conquer all mysteries by rule and line, empty the haunted air, and gnome mine unweave a rainbow “ !! As any small passionate vineyard owner would tell you, without some sort of belief in the “magic” and “mysticism” of mother nature it would all be rather dull, and possibly unbearable…

But trust me, its hard work, and not all romance. I believe you do reap what you sow in life, so owning and running a vineyard successfully is a complicated brew of discipline, hard work , persistence ,awareness and solid scientific and financial analysis...as much as it is from wanting to hope and believe in beauty and mystery. Do I have these skills ? Its very early days for me so time will tell...in fact, why don’t you observe and tell me ?

Watch my blog, send me your words, and tie yourself to my beautiful “piece of the earth”, and walk a path that is pretty well forgotten in our society now...I hope you enjoy the journey ...

Peter Whish-Wilson - Three Wishes Vineyard