Long, hot summer signals an early grape harvest
August was quite incredible in the vineyard. The hot days meant that our vines and grapes grew and ripened much earlier than in previous years. The signs we look for that indicate that the grapes are ready to be harvested include the leaves changing colour as the fruit takes more nutrition from the vines; the grapes getting fuller and changing colour; and local wildlife starting to take a greater interest in the vines. Our nets went up in our Regent and Rondo vines in early August, to protect the ripening fruit from birds and animals, and we placed traps beneath the vines to stop wasps, which are small enough to get through the nets.
All the signs indicate that we may have an early harvest this year. However, we won’t know exactly when the time is right until we start testing the grapes using a refractometer that is set to the Oechsle scale. This measures the density of the grape must to show a grape’s ripeness and sugar content.
We really enjoy harvest time at the vineyard and love to share the experience with our neighbours and friends who volunteer to help out. It is a great way to get to know our customers and our local community. It is also a good opportunity for people to learn a bit more about vineyard life!
We give all the training that is needed and provide clippers, snacks, drinks and lunch. We recommend you bring a pair of gloves as the clippers are sharp and the grape juice is sticky. You do not have to spend the entire harvest with us, but you can pop in for a morning or afternoon or for a few hours when you have time.
See out the season with some star caterers at the Bulari Bar
Our Friday Nights at the Bulari Bar continue through September, and we have some great guest caterers to end the season with.
Friday 5th: Sri-licious, Sri Lankan street food
Friday 12th: Jesse Smith,burgers, hot dogs and bacon baps
Friday 19th: Gurt Wings, fried chicken with lots of different toppings
Friday 26th: Tania’s Pop-up, Indian-inspired tacos
The Bulari Bar is open from 5pm to 9pm, and serves Poulton Hill wines, Cotswold Lakes Brew Co beers and a range of soft drinks. It is free to attend, we have plenty of parking and there is covered and uncovered seating, all with beautiful views across the vineyard. Children and well-behaved dogs are welcome.
We have loved welcoming so many of you to the vineyard on Friday evenings. Once the Bulari Bar shuts for the year you can still come along to the Cellar Door during our opening hours to buy wine by the glass or the bottle to enjoy with friends in the beautiful surroundings of the vineyard. The Cellar Door is open Tuesday to Friday 9am – 4pm, Saturday 11am – 3pm.
