This week (Tuesday 19th) saw the earliest start to harvest in our vineyard’s 54 year history. In fact, we’re not sure what the earliest harvest date is/was in the UK, but this must surely be close to breaking national records too! (A stark reminder of what’s happening to our climate)

Doom & gloom aside, the Siegerrebe we harvested – 3 weeks earlier than normal – was riper (+ 1.3%) than those we have picked over the last several years. This first pick was only small, but it will still contribute a lot to the blending we do next spring. The remaining block of Siegerrebe will hang for longer, and then (probably) get split into a still white/blush component, and MAYBE some late harvest! Wouldn’t that be nice!?

Thank you to all of the volunteers who have put their names forward and answered the call over the years. This is only the start of harvest, so there are plenty more opportunities to join us.

Now it’s over to Chris to guide the juice/wines through their long journey…until the next harvest that is!