Water or Wine

It has been two weeks on the long and hot and sometimes dusty road through the Mesetas from Burgos to Leon.  We are are at the end of another 20 Km walk just a few km from our town.  And then rest and sleep.

Miguel's front yard

Across the street from us we see a Spaniard

Miguel and Jim

tending his modest wine orchard and at the same moment he sees us and waves.  We are invited over for water which we accept and although we carry our own water bottle we do not want to miss an opportunity to visit.
He invites us into his home, serves us bread and meat and cheese and then asks if we want water or wine.

Miguel's wine operation

At every evening menu del peregrino we hear the very same inquiry.  Water or wine?  Water flows from fountains in every town and village and you just have to put your head under it to fill up or hold out your water bottle.  It is always a lovely experience.  But in the restaurants they serve bottled water and that is what most pilgrims want when they have water. Why not have wine?

Vineyard in mid April

Vineyard in early April 

Because our host, Miguel has newly formed raisins hanging like little jewels all over this kitchen and I can smell his wine,and even though it is not yet 2 P.M., I choose  un vaso pequeno de vino .
I watch as he fetches a bottle and pours a full glass.  As I watch him pour the wine, I see the vines outside his door and imagine him tending each one and making this wine.  I am filled with awe and anticipation. His hand on the bottle.  The wine flowing into the glass. Yes, it is the very best wine I have ever tasted.
I have another glass.