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Why was this annual Livermore Valley Blessing of the Grapes different from others? On a warm day in August, three local clergy gathered with winemakers to bless the grapes at 3 Steves Winery in Livermore. This year, without pre-planning, all three addressed the same theme of unity.
Though I have covered the grape blessing for a decade, I have rarely heard such a cohesive message from the clergy and a timely one in an election year. Also, the third clergy member to speak, Father Augustine of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Community in Livermore, shared an important announcement about couples seeking a wine country wedding.
Grape blessings are nothing new. Greeks worshiped Dionysus, and the Romans, Bacchus, to herald a harvest season that brings favorable weather and a dearth of grape-loving birds. In the late 1880s, pioneer vintners like the Wentes and Concannons likely held individual gatherings to sanctify the harvest. The Livermore Valley Wine Community, the wine association founded in 1981, has hosted grape blessings for many years.
About 30 vintners, winemakers, and community leaders gathered to honor the harvest at 3 Steves Winery. This year marked the 16th that Rev. Dr. Steve Wilde, Senior Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church Livermore, has blessed the region’s grapes. When the clergy assembled, Pastor Wilde said, “Standing here, we are a joke waiting to be told. ‘What happens when a pastor, rabbi and priest show up in a vineyard?’
“Beyond the humor, the symbolism is sincere. There is a unity we clergy try to articulate at this event. We see winemakers from competing companies joining together at this special time.”
Wilde continued, “Wine has the unique ability to bring people together. Currently the world at large does not see unity as a strength like we see happening here. We work hard, yet we recognize that as much as we try, we depend on the sun, soil and temperature during the harvest. Given that, we are grateful to gather to bless this harvest.
Rabbi Larry Milder has served as religious leader of Congregation Beth Emek in Pleasanton since 2012. With the synagogue’s name meaning “House of the Valley” in Hebrew, Rabbi Milder looks forward to participating in the annual grape blessing.
Before each event, Rabbi Milder reviews references to vines and wine in the Hebrew Bible and adds to his collection of vinous parables. In 2023 Rabbi Milder held “Wisdom of the Vine” study sessions at two local wineries. “I found that we intuitively understand metaphors of the vineyard because of our local landscape,” said Milder.
At the grape blessing, he chose the famous saying of the Prophet Micah, “Everyone will sit under the vine and fig tree.” The Rabbi added that those words sound like a paradigm for the good life, but the full prophecy is a model for building peace and security, the outcome of living together without conflict.
He then read the full passage, “They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. Then everyone will sit under the vine and fig tree, and no one will make them afraid.”
Rabbi Milder added, “As we bless and watch these grapes ripen, and with the magic of winemakers, we are grateful that something delicious, beautiful and holy will be made.”
Before Father Augustine began to speak, he placed his stole around his shoulders. Later, I asked him about his background in the Tri-Valley and the symbolism of the stole.
“After serving in Danville and Pleasanton, I joined St. Charles Borromeo seven months ago. The stole is a significant symbol in Catholic liturgy, representing the office and duties of ordained ministers,” said Father Augustine. He added that the wheat and grape symbols on the stole represent bread and wine which become the body and blood of Christ at consecration during Holy Mass.
At the event, Father Augustine shared his prayer, summarized here, “Almighty God, who brings forth the fruit of the vine to sustain and delight our hearts, we ask You to bless these grapes, the first fruits of our labor. Bless all who partake of these grapes that they may be strengthened in body and spirit. May the blessings bestowed on these grapes extend to all the people, and may we be ever mindful of the poor and those in need, sharing graciously from the abundance we have received.”
Father Augustine brought laughter when he said, “We now have an announcement to make, a common occurrence at religious services.” His news concerned another type of unity, marriage.
“Since there are requests for weddings in wine country, our Bishop of Oakland, Michael Barber, is looking to establish a wedding chapel in wineries. The chapel will need the approval of the Catholic Church. If any winery or vineyard owner is interested in this option, they can contact me at St. Charles Borromeo or the Bishop directly at the Diocese of Oakland,” said Father Augustine.
After Father Augustine sprinkled holy water towards the vines, people mingled and sipped 3 Steves Winery Pinot Grigio. Mayor John Marchand of Livermore and Alameda County Supervisor David Haubert joined the crowd. Though Sherry Souza, president and CEO of the Livermore Valley Chamber of Commerce since 2023, had never attended a Blessing of the Grapes before, she told me that she found it a worthwhile event.
In other countries, nearly everyone attends the grape blessing. On a press trip to the Jura wine country of West-Central France, the entire town of Arbois lined the streets as hundreds of green and red grape bunches hung on a grape-shaped frame were carried by local officials and paraded from City Hall to the church for the blessing and then a communal meal.
Taking time to bless the grapes is rooted in the culture of Livermore Valley wine country.
A few days ago, I asked Pastor Wilde about his reflections on this year’s Blessing of the Grapes. He replied that the event was like previous ones though he added. “I think the world we live in now is different and divided in unique ways. There is something powerful and poignant about people of different perspectives and beliefs being united in our love for the Tri-Valley, our community and the important role these grapes play in bringing us together.”
