Wild Grapes Anyone?

I gathered more wild grapes today to be used in our soaps. It reminded me that back when my kids were small, long before I became the soap bartender, I used to make fresh wild grape juice each summer. From my very first batch, I was amazed that it tasted so much like Welch's....only better! There was something distinctly satisfying about foraging organic wild grapes for my family, and what better way to spend the cooler morning hours than picking grapes with my kids. You had to watch out for rattlesnakes, but that was a given any time you ventured out during the warmer months.

Now... guess what? Our youngest son is planning to make wild mustang grape wine when he returns from his summer vacation in Colorado next week! I guess his tastes have matured just a bit over the years. But I'd like to think he got his inspiration from those early childhood memories. There's some things that just stand out in your mind, and fresh wild grape juice is one of them.

Here's a nice recipe for grape juice that uses California concord grapes, but I'm sure it'll work on any wild grapes in season. Drink up!