The vines are looking healthy and vigorous and grapes are plentiful this year. We were lucky to escape the worst of the late spring frosts, although our sites were not totally unscathed and there are some areas where fruit is sparse. The early start to the season means the vines are well ahead and veraison (when the grapes start to change colour and soften) has started early in a number of varieties however August has been rather cold and wet so the harvest date is still unpredictable. We are currently deleafing the fruiting zone to enable light and air to circulate around the bunches to reduce the risk of mildews and botrytis. Clean fruit is important for wine quality.
