After a very cool wet spring and the prospect of a late harvest as a result, we are now experiencing the opposite – a prolonged warm, dry period. The month of August now behind us, was extremely dry, but also quite sunny and warm – temperatures mostly in the 25-30°C (77-86°F) range. Altogether very pleasant. I was actually trying desperately to recall whether there had been any precipitation  at all during the last month, and was even searching various weather websites to see if I could confirm my idea, but believe it or not I couldn’t find one. Having said that, if there was any rain at all, then it was certainly next to nothing.

So what are the implications for our harvest? Well, it really depends on what happens next. If the dry weather continues for the next few weeks, then it is possible that the berries will start to shrivel and yields could be somewhat reduced. In an ideal world we need just a little rain, enough to refresh the soil and to breathe a bit more life into the vines, but clearly we done want too much rain either as this can lead to potential problems with rot and disease. So we don’t ask for too much – just perfect weather for our vineyards!

Now only another few weeks to run before the games begin.

After a very cool wet spring and the prospect of a late harvest as a result, we are now experiencing the opposite – a prolonged warm, dry period. The month of August now behind us, was extremely dry, but also quite sunny and warm – temperatures mostly in the 25-30°C (77-86°F) range. Altogether very pleasant. I was actually trying desperately to recall whether there had been any precipitation  at all during the last month, and was even searching various weather websites to see if I could confirm my idea, but believe it or not I couldn’t find one. Having said that, if there was any rain at all, then it was certainly next to nothing.

So what are the implications for our harvest? Well, it really depends on what happens next. If the dry weather continues for the next few weeks, then it is possible that the berries will start to shrivel and yields could be somewhat reduced. In an ideal world we need just a little rain, enough to refresh the soil and to breathe a bit more life into the vines, but clearly we done want too much rain either as this can lead to potential problems with rot and disease. So we don’t ask for too much – just perfect weather for our vineyards!

Now only another few weeks to run before the games begin.