Harvest 2014 is now in full swing, and Fairview Vineyard Manager Donald Mouton shares with us the current state and development of our vineyards and activities.

“Last year saw above average rainfall in the area. The average rainfall over the past 17 years has been 550ml, and last winter saw a particularly high reading of 680ml.  Although heavy showers in October affected pollination of the late cultivars, the overall crop is looking very good.

Despite the high pressure of the late rains, disease-control has been well implemented and the vineyards are looking very good.  The fungicides and pesticides we have been using are all environmentally friendly and include the likes of natural predators such as ladybirds.

There is less bird damage on the Elim vines than there was last year. There is also no rot, and although we still have a way to go, it seems as if the overall yield from these vineyards will be a bit higher than last year.

Thanks to carefully planned irrigation, the Paarl vineyards remain unscathed despite the recent heat wave. The heat did take its toll on the Stellenbosch vineyards, but only a few rows of vines were affected. The rest look good, and we are feeling positive about commencing our harvest there in just under a month’s time.