January

No days off for the summer vineyard crew as the vines and berries are developing very fast. Depending on the blocks, some of the canopies will need to be trimmed to make sure the energy is going into the fruit and not into excessive vegetative growth. However, it is also important at this stage that the younger and weak vines have their crop load reduced to ensure they will still build healthy shoots and leaves as well as fruit.

The days are long and very warm, sometimes touching late thirties.  But interestingly, our unique climate can occasionally surprise us with crisp cool mornings. We keep a close eye on the moisture content of the soils; this is a good time to tempt the roots to go deeper. We are enjoying the finest local produce; apricots, cherries, nectarines and peaches abound.  We have also started harvesting from our own vegetable beds which will keep us in good supply over the next few months.

We are looking forward to the Central Otago Pinot Noir Celebration at the end of the month.  Three days of fine food and fantastic wines, shared with our wine friends from all over the world - it's a great way to start the year!