The last time I posted was a rant about planting… Now we are already half way through the season!
We are entering flowering now. Some of the earlier varieties have already started flowering about a week ago, mostly Chenin blanc, Pinotage and some of the Grenache blanc’s.
We have had a good start to the season coming off a really good winter. Spring has been mild with some warm days, but for the most part it was in the mid to high 20’s. The vines have really been growing well. We had quite a bit of rain over the weekend (55mm – 110mm in some parts). It is not ideal for flowering, but it is great for the vines.
We have planted quite a few dryland vineyards (no irrigation) and the rain is much needed on these vineyards.
Other than that the season is ticking on nicely. With little disease pressure (up to now – we will have to see after this rain), mild growing conditions and hopefully a good flowering and fruit set, we are set for a good vintage. Yes, a lot can still happen!
An old Chenin blanc vine in the Paardeberg. Suckered and ready to go!
Verdelho in the Paardeberg at Kalmoesfontein of AA Badenhorst Wines. Verdelho is a floppy grower and sensitive to wind and either needs to be trellised or supported with a pole
