The 2019 harvest began on the 21st September with the picking of the early Pinot Noir grapes for our Pinot Rosé - it was a beautiful September day and the sun was shining; a rare occurrence this harvest! However we have been busy picking since (weather permitting) and lots more has and will be happening at the vineyard for the upcoming winter season
From the Vineyard (Fiona Shiner)
We are coming to the end of harvest although it has been a bit of a stop start affair this year. Possibly the wettest harvest in the vineyard's history, finding a dry day to pick has been tricky. The 2019 vintage is late compared to 2018, but in reality we are back to normal, with October being the busiest harvest month. Yields are down on 2018 but that is to be expected...last year was an exceptional year for yields and ripeness. We are now picking our sparkling varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier) and pleased to say that the fruit has withstood the challenging conditions in remarkably good condition. A full harvest round up to follow.
From the Winery (Jeremy Mount)
Sun and rain, sun and rain, sun and rain, seems to be the theme of this Year’s harvest. Harvest started 4 weeks ago now, with the first fruit picked being the early ripening Pinot Noir (for the Pinot Rosé) which has already finished fermenting. Early signs are very promising, showing good ripe raspberry flavours with the far from ideal weather holding good acidity. All the Bacchus has now been harvested and is fermenting in stainless steel tanks with the Ortega (for the Culver Hill) currently fermenting nicely in barrel. Over the next couple of weeks we shall bring in the rest of the fruit which is mostly for the sparkling wines, fingers firmly crossed for more settled weather!!
Winter Tours and Events
Wine Tours and Tastings continue at the vineyard throughout the year so please check out our exciting winter schedule of classic and new events at Woodchester Valley including our Pinot & Pizza evening and our Grand Christmas Tastings.
During the months of November and December we will have some brand new events such as our Pinot Premiere, where you will get to enjoy a selection of handmade canapes and toast the release of our highly anticipated Pinot Noir 2017. In December, for the first time, we will be hosting our Grand Christmas Tastings, giving you the opportunity to try ALL of our wines at an informal tasting with some local cheese & charcuterie. There will be some exclusive Christmas offers available for the big day. We're also hosting another of our Wine & Cheese evenings and a Festive Fizz & Chips to round off 2019.
Medal winners and Press mentions
The Woodchester Valley team are delighted to have been mentioned as one of the 'UK's still wine producers to be watched' by Susie Barrie MW and Peter Richards MW , in their recent article “English still wine grows up” available online via Jancis Robinsons purple pages.
Not to mention the Gold Medal awarded by WineGB West to our 2018 Bacchus with Silver Medals for our Pinot Rosé, Culver Hill, Orpheus Bacchus and Rosé wines..thank you WineGB.
