Greetings Vondelingers,
Harvesting the red grapes here on Vondeling was going pretty smoothly until early rains started hitting us in the last couple of weeks. Consequently, we still have a few tons of Cabernet Sauvignon hanging on the vines, and hope to pick it on Friday. It has been the wettest March since our records began – 87 mm! Our average is 13 mm!
![unnamed (35)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-35-2-768x1024.jpg)
However, we carried on picking when the dry weather permitted, and Matt is bullish about the quality.
![unnamed (36) (1)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-36-1-1024x768.jpg)
Above is a picture of pinotage going into the crusher at our premium cellar on Vondeling, which will eventually become Vondeling Bowwood Pinotage 2023, and below is a photo of our ladies, berry sorting Merlot, before going into our open fermenters.
![unnamed (37) (1)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-37-1-768x1024.jpg)
When we were picking the last of the Sauvignon Blanc, one of our less experienced tractor drivers found out what happens when you overload a trailer of grapes on a slope!
![unnamed (38) (1)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-38-1-1024x768.jpg)
Meanwhile, I had to travel to Dusseldorf for Prowein, Germany. It’s the largest wine industry trade fair in the world and I shared a stand with my old mate Rijk Melck from Muratie. I am happy to report that the South African wine section was extremely busy. There were reportedly 60,000 visitors over the 3 days (all trade).
![unnamed (39)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-39-1-768x1024.jpg)
Yesterday was also a historic day for Vondeling. We picked our first ever almonds from our 3rd leaf trees! Very exciting.
![unnamed (40) (1)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-40-1-1024x768.jpg)
We had an old friend of Vondeling stay for a couple of days earlier this month with his family. The ex-England cricket Captain is seen here trying to teach my dog Daphne the art of slip-catching.
![unnamed (41)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-41-1.jpg)
Lastly, we are having an Easter Service at St Clement’s Chapel (Sunday, 9th April) as well as a very exciting Babiana Vertical happening at Culture Wine Bar (19th of April).
See details below.
![unnamed (42)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-42-1-1024x1024.jpg)
![unnamed (43)](https://www.vondelingwines.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/unnamed-43-1-1024x1024.jpg)
Until next time take care,
Julian