Blackenbrook Vineyard

The hot Nelson sun is smiling above our vines and the already pea-sized grape-berries will soon start to soften and change colour.

It is a busy time in the vineyard with our team frantically tucking luscious green shoots between the wires and removing leaves around the fruit.  Together with the constant air movement, this allows the grapes to quickly dry off after any rain and thus reduce the need for sprays.

The next job is to trim the top and sides of each row and mow the grass one last time before the nets will be neatly draped over the entire vineyard.  This is to keep the ever-so hungry birds away from our precious crop.

Then the long wait starts until harvest 2011 will kick off around 20 March – six long weeks of worrying about weather, birds and potential disease… so let’s keep our fingers crossed for some more of the famous Nelson sunshine and a fabulous 2011 vintage!

Warm Regards
Ursula Schwarzenbach