The
first buds appear small and furry during April; with
frosts right through to May 1st the buds furry coat
protects them. Even so sharp pruning at this stage
can hold off the rising sap and prevent the bud
from reaching its non-furry and vulnerable red state
before the frosts are over.
Any
new vines are planted at this time of year and the
old vines are pruned back hard and trained into the
trellising. The trellising rows are tightened up;
a laborious job as the trellis posts are large and
numerous to support the weighty bunches but even so
they work loose.
The vineyard
goats are put into the paddocks at the end of the
season. They're the vineyard security, but not from
human invaders; mildew gets under the vine's bark
during the cold wet weather and the goats strip the
bark from the vines so keeping them free from infection.
Most
importantly last years wine is ready for drinking.
