Cork Oak trees produce the bark that magically becomes the cork we pop out of a wine bottle. Our visit to Rovisco Garcia Farm enlightened us about the origins of corks and the 25-year wait for a Cork Oak tree to yield its first bark, followed by a 9-year cycle for subsequent harvests. We gained a newfound appreciation for the farmers' patience and hard work. If possible, choose a wine bottle with a cork stopper and consider upcycling the cork for additional use. (Please click on the picture of the slide to view it in full screen.)