The Journal.ie reported on the vineyards producing the nectar of the gods in the land of Guinness in 2015. They covered some of the more well-known vineyards. UK Vineyard report lists a few more, including ours - Daria's Vineyard. Ireland has a drop in the bucket compared with the UK nowadays. Last year, we recorded bud burst on the 15th of April.
- Lusca Vineyard - Dublin
- Wellingtonbridge Vineyard - Wexford
- Viking Irish Drinks (Dennison's Vyd) - Waterford
- Ballydrehid House Estate Vineyard - Tipperary
- Watergrass Vineyard - Cork
- Daria's Vineyard - Mayo
We report bud burst to them, but not yet. I checked today and, although the Rondo is getting close, I wouldn't call burst just yet. I'd say we are at late bud swell. The good news is that it appears that the Albarino vines are alive. They really did appear dead a couple of weeks ago but now they have fresh-looking buds. Yippee!
By the way, our honey bees have been very active. I expect the orchard and vineyard to bear lots of fruit this year. Although grapevines are hermaphroditic and self-pollinate,
bees are very important in maintaining a healthy organic ecosystem in the vineyard. Many people don't realise just how important they can be. Of course, they can also go after the
sweet juices of the grapes if their foraging isn't supported otherwise. If we practice organic biodynamic husbandry, then everything should maintain its equilibrium.
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| Rondo |
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| Solaris |
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| Chardonnay |
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| Pinot noir |
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| Albarino |
Happy
St. Daria's Day by the Julian Calendar. Alex says it's fitting that my name day should come on April Fool's Day!
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| Native black honeybee |
