A Story of 75-Year Old Grapevines

Like in other European countries, grapes hold a special place for Romanians and this was no different in my family.

The giant pergola at my grandparents’ farm was covered in 75-year old grapevines.

Most of our time was spent sitting under this pergola, enjoying the breeze. It was where the whole family met on weekends or special holidays. It’s also where each of us would go to seek refugee, relax and contemplate the view.

Every September, the smell of ripe grapes filled the air, signaling it was time to hold our annual harvest. We couldn’t resist eating grapes straight from the vines. We also made must, a sweet, opaque and unfiltered traditional juice and sweetener made of freshly crushed grapes, including their seeds, skin and stems. The remaining grapes were placed in wood barrels for us children to mash with our bare feet to help extract the juice that would later be transformed into wine.

These days, if you go to Romania, you can still find families hosting big celebrations during harvest season.

From Romania to Canada

At Green Acre Scent, we grow three different types of grapes. The vines are not 75 years old – they are actually quite young - but they will yield more and more grapes every year so that one day, I can offer my grandchildren a taste of my home country. 😊

Although grapes have existed for 6,000 years and have been used for medicinal purposes for a long time, the origin of grapeseed oil is thought to go back to 1569, when Emperor Maximilian II of Italy granted a musician the monopoly of pressing grape seeds into oil to preserve his musical instruments.

Grapes being one of the most cultivated fruits in the world, grapeseed oil can now be found virtually everywhere as seeds are thought to be the healthiest part of the fruit.

The seeds of youth

Grapeseed oil is an ingredient we use in a few of our products because of its great benefits for the skin.

Recognized for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, emollient, astringent and antibacterial properties, it is ideal for oily, sensitive, mature and acne or eczema-prone skins.

Containing omega-6, omega-9, beta-carotene, vitamin E as well as palmitoleic, palmitic and stearic acids, grapeseed carrier oil is found to:

• Boost circulation thus supporting cell production and skin rejuvenation and contributing to younger looking skin
• Improve the appearance of age spots, wrinkles, blemishes and stretch marks
• Tighten the skin and enhance its elasticity
• Soothe skin-conditions related to acne and burns, and heal wounds
• Hydrate the skin and ease the discomfort resulting from sun burns
• Balance sebum production, reducing chances of breakouts
• Prevent moisture loss

Nothing but greasy

Linoleic acid (omega-6) in particular is an effective emulsifier in the formulation of soaps and quick-drying oils, which is why you’ll find grapeseed oil in this month’ star products. Used topically, grapeseed carrier oil is easily absorbed by the skin, delivering intense moisture without irritating, leaving an oily residue, or clogging pores.

 With such a stellar resume, it’s no wonder we’ve chosen to add it to our Radiance Facial Oil!

This light, non-greasy facial oil is good for all skin types. It nourishes the skin, helps to regenerate it and improves the appearance of fine lines, blemishes and brown spots. With its spicy-sweet-exotic scent and its fresh woody note, this facial oil will leave you feeling relaxed.

Rich in compounds that support the collagen restorative process, the Radiance Oil should be applied to the face before bed or in the morning on a fresh cleaned skin. It can also be used on the entire body, helping reduce the look of cellulite and appease tense muscles.

Green Acre Scent’s Country Breeze Soap is my most loved soap, a fact that fills my heart with joy considering I created it to capture the memories of growing up at my grandparents’ farm in Romania.

Made of fair trade unrefined shea butter and scented with an organic oil blend of French lavender, basil, rosemary and a touch of patchouli, its aroma will make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a rich, opulent countryside garden filled with flowers, fruits, herbs and freshly cut grass where butterflies, ladybirds and bees sing along and intertwine in a beautiful dance only known to them.

Will you join me under the pergola?!

Happy Thanksgiving!