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| A rare near-perfect bunch. |
The Brix had surpassed 20, so it was time to pick. The weather was going to be decent on Thursday, with winds gusting to 35 knots, but several models showed no rain while others showed a bit of drizzle. We started by sterilising the winery equipment and washing the floor before setting out for the vineyard.
We had some drizzle, some sunshine, and a whole lot of cool wind, so we managed to harvest it all by 5 pm. Despite the fact that we collected four bushels of grapes, we should have had ten times that. But a combination of factors reduced our yield manyfold. Black rot, mildew, and possibly failure to set fruit all contributed to a dismal take. Had we been successful, we might have had 40 bushels.
The amount of fruit in bags was equivalent to the amount not bagged that should have been eaten but wasn't. So we are convinced the kites are working and we don't need to bag anymore. Halleluja! The bagging was boring chore. The CDs probably help as well.
Tomorrow the weather is to be abysmal. Heavy rain means a day of winemaking. You know, if growing grapes and making wine was easy, we'd all be doing it. Oh right. We are, and it's not.
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| A common finding |
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| Another perfect one -- take a picture! |
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| Kite soaring over Alex |
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| Almost 4 bushels |
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| Pinot Noir filling out but not ripening |
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| Convenient plastic buckets |
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| Waiting for tomorrow |
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