The Season of the Vintage

This article presents a letter originally published in the October 23, 1862 issue of the New York Times describing the Croton Point vineyards near the Hudson River in New York.

The letter depicts an autumn harvest season, noting that "granaries are bursting with the harvesting of the Summer's generous growth" and praising the vineyard's "drooping clusters." The writer details Dr. Underhill's vineyard operations spanning 45-50 acres on Croton Point, located between the Hudson River and Croton River.

The vineyards cultivated Isabella and Catawba grapes, varieties chosen after unsuccessful attempts with foreign species. The innovative cultivation method involved training vines along wires secured to posts driven four feet into the ground. The operation employed careful pruning techniques during both summer and winter to concentrate the grapes' desirable qualities.

The letter describes the harvesting process, where "woman's more delicate touch" removed defective berries, and transportation occurred via steamboat to preserve the delicate fruit. Wine production involved gentle pressing and storage in 800-gallon casks housed in hillside cellars that were "arched, commodious and cool."

Dr. Underhill used trained dogs to eliminate ground moles that plagued vineyards across the country. Additionally, he created an artificial lake bordered by plum trees planted to hang over the water—a design intended to protect fruit from the curculio insect.