2010 / 2011 Vineyard Season Review

Firstly I apologize about the glum photo, but this was the view that confronted me all too often this season. If I had to sum the season up in three words they would be WET, WET & WET, and I’m not talking about the Wine Equalisation Tax. My neighbour who has lived in Leongatha for 60 plus years says he has never seen a season like it in terms of the mildness, quantity and timing of the rain. When people ask about what diseases and pests that grapes are susceptible to and the conditions that favour them I tell them, “Public enemy number one is moulds or mildews.” I ask if they have ever seen a poorly ventilated bathroom with mould growing on the ceiling, well this year has been the soggy bathroom from hell year! (more…)