Livermore-Area Clergy Bless Grapes Ahead Of Harvest

LIVERMORE, CA — A pastor, a priest, and rabbi walk into a winery. The result? The Blessing of the Grapes, which took place at Las Positas Vineyard Wednesday afternoon.

For centuries, many different faiths in wine-producing countries around the world have participated in a grape blessing ceremony. In Livermore, Josh Jonas, the associate pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, Father Kwame from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Livermore, and Rabbi Laurence Elis Milder from Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton all offered their blessings for a productive growing season.

The clergymen were joined by Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert, Livermore Valley Wine Community Executive Director Brandi Lombardi, Las Positas Vineyards Chef and Assistant General Manager Curt Pipes, and many more winery owners, winemakers, and guests.

Livermore Valley wineries estimate that the harvest will begin in two to three weeks.