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!
However, we carried on picking when the dry weather permitted, and Matt is bullish about the quality.
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.
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!
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).
Yesterday was also a historic day for Vondeling. We picked our first ever almonds from our 3rd leaf trees! Very exciting.
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.
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.
Until next time take care,
Julian
