Harvest has begun with our first loads of Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.
Reports of lower yields following the ongoing heat are common, although with the worldwide oversupply of wine, this is generally not causing wineries to go out chasing extra fruit.
Like many others, I’m unsure whether more of this year’s fruit will be lost to the ground or carried through to the wine bin.
Record low prices are being offered this year for uncontracted fruit, but that and the prospects of even dearer water next year will see many vineyards removed.
There is a genuine concern for quite a few of our fellow wine growers, make the effort to reach out to them, many are now looking at perfect fruit on their vines that is without a home, talk to your mates more.
With the grape job looking a bit average this season, I’ve found myself dabbling in cattle and sheep work, and it’s surprisingly straightforward.
From time to time, hungry stock wander through wayward fences and into our vines.
Rounding them up has become an unexpected side task.
People often joke about needing a bigger boat; in my case, a bigger freezer might be the more practical upgrade.
The snails vanished during the recent heatwave, and I assumed they’d all been cooked.
However, when I ducked into the shed fridge for a cold drink, I discovered everything had been cleared out – and there they were, about 5000 snails lined up, smiling and enjoying the cool conditions.
