Refractometer

The Refractometer is easy to read. Only takes a grape to get a reading.

 Squezzing

 13.5 degrees Brix.

Grapes are changing colour

The weather is hot and a few showers of rain every day is keeping the grass growing. Last year at this time there was no grass growth.
The grape bunches are starting to colour up. You can still see a few green ones showing through.

Brix reading

How is it?

Got a refractometer a few years ago. Easy to use and read. Only need a grape and its juice to get a reading.

Currently I'm taking a reading each day of both the MERLOT AND CHAMBOURCIN. This started at 7 degrees bris on 23rd Jan 2016 and is now at 14.6 3rd Feb 2016.
Will start to pick at around 22+ brix.

 Look through the eye piece

 Read off the scale

How is it?
Jan 26th 2016. Nets are being placed over the vines.
Brix reading 8 degrees. Have sprayed on Ecocarb. This effects the Ph level, by doing this the black spot stops spreading.

 We store the nets while not in use in Big black plastic bags, in the loft.

 This shot shows off the mesh size

 Looking back up to the house with the nets draped over the vines

 Along the two bottom rows. The first three are Merlot.

I tie the inside rows together with twisty ties. This stops the nets from being blown off in strong winds. It takes a few hours to do all the rows!

 Two more rows to go today. It is very hot today.

 A few bunches of Chambourcin, looking good.

 Looking North west down towards the sea

Looking North east towards the sea. Tide is coming in.

A few bottles of Merlot 2015

Had to do some bottling to free up some space for this years wines.



Mean time out in the vineyard.... Today is the 3rd of Jan 2016.
That time of year, have finished with the leaf plucking. The bunches of Chambourcin are looking good. Have been spraying with copper to try and keep the black spot at bay. Seems to be working, as I have only seen a few spots.


Have trimmed back the tops of the vines, as at the moment they are going for it.

 The Merlot seemed to have done better this year. Did three sprays with Boron. The Kauri trees from the past stripped it all, then when they got exported they took the Boron with them. Boron helps with the fruit set. Still not 100% but better.

 The helper ( Jaz the wonder dog ) is seen here standing in the shade.

Will be putting the bird nets on soon. Hot and humid at the moment.