HOW WE GROW OUR VINES

The vineyard of 18ha is planted on brown loam /red clay  soils in an area that enjoys a long growing season, with low incidence of disease and usually a dry autumn for harvest. The vines are planted on a 3mx2m grid and trained to a vertical shoot position trellis

The vineyard is now managed organically as is the olive grove, we are in the process of conversion and very determined to achieve our goals of sustainable farming. The whole property will be converted to fully organic management over the next few years. This is not a huge change for us ,as we have been committed to sustainability, but we are now convinced we need to go the extra yards to really make a difference.

Irrigation is supplied by catchment water and bore water and is used sparingly to produce bunches of small intensely flavoured grapes. Soil moisture is monitored carefully to ensure appropriate use of irrigation water.

The Grapes

Cabernet Sauvignon was planted in1992 ,

Chardonnay '94 ,

Shiraz '95 ,

Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc and Semillon in '98

 Grenache, Petit Verdot, Mouverdre, Tempranillo and Viognier in 2000.

These recent plantings are used significantly for blending.