News & Events
You heard it on the grape vine
Time flies, we are already two months into winter with spring being heralded by the Almond blossom along the side of the road in Coonawarra.
The winter has been kind to us thus far with above average rainfall during July. So far it looks like being a good old fashioned south eastern winter! The Swans are starting to nest in some of the small puddles which the old timers say is a healthy sign for the season. It’s all good for the vineyard.
We have just commenced pruning the vines in readiness for next season. We use a combination of machine and hand pruning dependent on the variety.
Currently we are hand pruning Sauvignon Blanc which tends to produce better yields and improved quality using the rod and spur method. The vine produces flowers and fruits along the new rod (cane) which is wrapped onto the fruiting wire each season by the pruners.
We produce grapes using environmentally sustainable methods where possible. We have completed our under vine composting program for the year. This month we have ewes and lambs grazing amongst the vines (as well as a couple of “doe eyed” Alpacas to keep the foxes at bay!) The use of grazing reduces our input of diesel and chemical sprays. We will fertilize the vineyards with composted animal manure in a couple of weeks.
It will then be nearly time for bud burst which is usually around the 15th September.
Cheers
Rex Hutchison
VITICULTURALIST
