Climate change could lead to a Mayday on May Day
After what seems like an endless wet winter the vineyard is green again! The growth of our Regent and Rondo vines (pictured) are still ahead of where they were in 2023, due to the milder weather this year.
Other varieties, such as our Pinot Noir vines, are also growing well and we will have to start bud rubbing soon. This is meticulous but very important work and is all done by hand. Any growth that is hand-space down from the crown of each vine (the bulbous area at the top) needs to be rubbed off. We have 91 rows of vines in the vineyard, with approximately 10,000 vines, and bud rubbing is all done by hand. As you can imagine, this is not a quick and easy task.
The warmer climate also has other less-welcome impacts on the vineyard. In May, we start to see our vines’ flowers unfurl ready to be pollinated by bees and other insect pollinators. However, numbers of not-so-friendly insects are increasing due to warmer temperatures as a result of climate change. Parts of southern England have seen Grape berry moths and Grapevine moths, which are significant pests for vineyards in the warmer regions of Europe. Cooler UK temperatures meant they were not previously a risk to English vineyards, but increasingly mild weather means their numbers could soon be on the rise. Their caterpillars feed on flower buds and unripe grapes, and the damage they cause can also allow diseases into the vines. We keep a very close eye on our vines, at all stages of the lifecycle, to ensure that we protect them from any potential harm.
Mixed case special offers
There is not one but two bank holidays in May and we have our fingers crossed for some dry weather so everyone can enjoy time outdoors. If you are planning a barbecue or bank holiday get-together, we have two very special case offers for you this month.
Our May Mixed Six offer contains:
- Two bottles of Poulton Hill’s Arlington White 2022
- Two bottles of Poulton Hill’s Phoenix 2022
- Two bottles of Poulton Hill’s Rosé 2022
The recommended retail price for this case is £109.98, but it will cost just £99.00 if you pick it up from the Cellar Door in Poulton.
Or you can double up with our May Mixed Dozen offer.
This contains:
- Four bottles of Poulton Hill’s Arlington White 2022
- Four bottles of Poulton Hill’s Phoenix 2022
- Four bottles of Poulton Hill’s Rosé 2022
The recommended retail price for this case is £219.96, but it will cost just £190.00 if you pick it up from the Cellar Door in Poulton. You can also buy both cases online and get free delivery for the Mixed Dozen case.
