A Viticulturist’s Seasonal Update: Weather, Wildlife, and the Vine’s Journey

As a viticulturist, I’m always keeping one eye on the weather. After a very dry start to the year, the last few months have brought above-average rainfall, leaving the soil thoroughly soaked and our dams nearly full. This moisture means that bud burst this year is slower and later than in recent seasons. Whether this leads to a delayed vintage will depend on how the weather unfolds over the next three months.

Frost remains a concern at this time of year. We experienced a very light frost on September 17th, but at –0.7°C, it wasn’t cold enough or long enough to harm the new shoots. When temperatures dip below –1.0°C for several hours, we start to worry, and a freeze at –3.0°C or lower is a serious threat. The frost risk period typically ends around October 31st, so until then, we’re keeping our fingers crossed.

Spring in the Yarra Valley is always magical. Blackwood wattles are blooming, and wildflowers are abundant. In our bush block, we’ve spotted flowering Bulbine lilies and Greenhood orchids — true treasures of the vineyard.

Wildlife is stirring too. Blue tongue lizards are emerging from their winter slumber, basking on warm rocks, and one of our resident echidnas has been foraging for ants and insects among the rotting timber.

By this time next month, vine growth should be in full swing, and we’ll have our first crop estimates for the upcoming harvest. Here’s hoping for a promising year ahead.

— Jamie