Spring

As the weather warms in spring it is necessary to apply organic sprays to prevent fungus outbreaks. Powdery Mildew (Uncinula necator) is controlled with natural sulphur powder, and Downy Mildew (Plasmopara viticola) with bluestone (copper sulphate), also known as Bordeaux Mixture.

Light Brown Apple Moth caterpillars (Epiphyas postvittana), which can be highly destructive, are also eliminated with a spray comprising a naturally occurring bacterium (Bacillus thuringiensis) that does not harm the myriad beneficial insects in the vineyards.

Another major springtime task is controlling potentially devastating frosts, five of which can occur each year on average in our more susceptible vineyards. They must be predicted, monitored and prevented. This is achieved with overhead sprinklers, through which water is pumped from the aquifer. Each 350mm bore can deliver 490,000 litres per hour; sufficient to cover 12 hectares of vines with the required 4 mm of water per hour. If the vines can be kept wet their temperature will not fall below zero, and damage will not occur.