What’s a MinYard? A mini grape vineyard of course.

Several years ago, a good friend gave us two Cabernet grape plants. For a couple of years they grew in pots. When I redesigned the front yard, I decided a small vineyard was needed.

Here’s the two-plant grape MinYard in late fall. The harvest was completed in mid September.

It was a very good harvest this year. But what can you do with the wine grapes if you only have two grapevines? It’s not enough to make wine.

I’ll show you how I crush the grapes and what I do with the juice.

I place a catch dish below a colander, I simply use a plastic bag and my fist to crush the grapes. It is definitely a workout. I’ve been looking for a small, used grape press but have not found one as yet. Hopefully prior to the next harvest.

When I need a rest, I pour the juice from the catch dish through folded cheese cloth and into a pitcher. The cheese cloth acts to filter out most debris.

I was able to obtain two full pitchers of juice. I usually pour some juice into Mason jars and freeze it.

The juice can be added to a glass of water for a super energy drink. You do not need to add much, this stuff is pure power and can really rev up your motor!

I also like to freeze some grape cubes in an ice cube tray, and add the cubes to natural sparkling water. Extremely refreshing on a warm day.

If you know someone who makes wine, you can give them the juice from your vines to add into theirs. Here’s a batch of locally made wine where I added my own label. I had one of my artistic friends design it for me.

Note the MinYard name – Frog & Feather. My friend likes frogs and I like birds of prey. This was a hearty, bodacious red – just like her!

So go grab a bottle of your favorite red and share it with a friend. Wine is good for your soul. Salute!