Playing the waiting game

October in the vineyard is different every year, depending on when we start to harvest. Sometimes this happens in early September and one year we waited until the very end of October for the grapes to reach the right balance of sweetness and acidity. This is normal for vineyards in the northern hemisphere, although some more southerly European nations may harvest from August onwards. Saying this, the heatwave in Germany in 2018 meant that German vineyards started their harvest in early August, in line with many Italian vineyards and weeks earlier than their normal harvest time.

In England this year, despite the hottest June for many years, we had a very wet July and August with the sun not really appearing with any strength again until early September. This means that we are anticipating that we will start to harvest at some point in mid-October. There really is no point harvesting before we get the right readings as it will impact the flavour and quality of the wine, as well as the fermentation itself. Yeast is added to the grape juice, and the yeast converts the sugar in the grapes into alcohol and releases carbon dioxide.

Once the harvest is finished, our work in the vineyard will continue. Any grapes that were not ready to harvest remain on the vines and are left for the birds. Then we focus on getting the right nutrition into the soil to make sure that the vines are ready for their dormant phase. The vines need to have enough nutrients to ensure they can survive the winter and begin to produce new growth in the spring. This means that we still continue to feed the soil after harvest.

In preparation, we rotavate the ground between the rows of vines. Then, in spring, we lay down fresh mixed seed for plants that will put back some goodness into the soil, for example radish plants. This will also help with drainage. We check the ground and the soil every couple of years to make sure it is at its best, which means maintaining a PH balance of between 6 and 6.5.

Wine by the glass

What better place to enjoy a glass of English wine than in the vineyard where the grapes are grown? We now sell wine by the glass at the Cellar Door, so you can stop off with friends for a drink and a chat. We are set up for any weather, with indoor and outdoor seating, and our Cellar Door staff are on hand to offer advice and information. You can also take advantage of our special Cellar Door prices on bottles of wine or spirits to take away.

Our Cellar Door is open Tuesday to Friday from 9.30am to 3.30pm.