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The
Vineyard
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The Vines around Esk Valley Lodge were planted in 2003 and our
first vintage was in March 2006 when we harvested 33 tonnes of
grapes. |
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These are
the vines after 6 months. The green sleeves protect the
young shoots from damage. |
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Most of the grapes are harvested by machine
which is much cheaper than hand picking. |
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This
is the Harvester machine in the middle of the Sauvignon block |
The machine
empties the grapes into the "Gondola" behind the tractor |
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The
Gondola
then empties the grapes into the waiting truck |
This is inside the harvesting machine.
The vibrating bars knock the grapes off the vines leaving the
stems behind |
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Some
grapes have to be picked by hand |
In autumn the grape vines take on a myriad of
colours that depends on Variety and soil |
There are approximately 8000 vines of Sauvignon Blanc
There are 4000 Riesling (next to Western side of House). Riesling is
a small compact bunch
And
2000 Semillon (in block to East of House).
Please feel free to wander around the vines and try the grapes
(from February on). Contrary to many expectations, wine
grapes are delicious to eat. Much sweeter and juicier than
table varieties. After trying some of our grapes you WILL
need to wash your hands from all the sticky juice!
Plucking and Tucking!
If
you want a guided tour and an explanation of grape growing ask Eileen
or Jes. You can have a go at Plucking and Tucking in summer or
pruning in winter.
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