Spring Update from the Vineyard
We asked our Vineyard Manager, Travis Salisbury for a recap of how the 2024 season has gone so far….
As the days lengthened, the vines are set for the 2024 vintage. Above average rainfall over the winter months drenched and overfilled the soil water table of our vineyard, delaying many a tractor operation in between the vines. Spring came early with warmer temperatures than usual and uncommonly southern winds kept frost away. The Chalk – ancient bedrock lifted through tectonic shifts over 60 million years ago a saving grace providing an under lying sponge giving or taking when water holding capacity of soils have been over saturated. Overall, a tough and challenging start to the year but nothing the vineyard team at Wiston could not handle… (after a quick nap!)
January
With the new year, January brought us our first cold spell. Snow fell on the cold, bare grass and prunings laid neatly in the alley way quickly changed from a mahogany brown to brilliant white. This snowfall lasted a mere few hours before the above average temperatures over the days melted the snow returning the vineyard to its normal wintery position. Sheep were brought in, adding much needed organic matter which helps improve soil structure. Not only did they provide nutrients, but they kept the grass short – as well as providing a spot of friendly companionship! Pruning was in full swing on what little dry days we had, while the wet days consisted of tying down and wire dropping. Pruning, one of the most important processes in viticulture allows vignerons to maintain productive wood whilst structuring the vines and respecting its natural branching. The fruit cycle is a two-year process so selecting the incorrect wood may leave fruiting canes unproductive diminishing yield through our blocks.
february
February saw the ever-increasing rainfall paired with high temperatures, a perfect playground for fungal pathogens. Days for pruning were hard to find in-between heavy rainfall, slowing down speed and pushing us to be caught up in other aspects of the vineyard (tying down, wire dropping). With 5Ha behind us, the team were well on target.
March
March, the final stint of winter saw the trend continue of higher-than-normal temperatures. The unusually high temperatures saw osmotic pressures in the soil increase. This increase in temperature earlier than ever seen on our sites started the vines journey out of dormancy. The soil bounced higher and lower over our 10-degree benchmark sending signals for the start of the growing season. The 26th of March showed the first signs of bud development, waxy layers that helped protect buds were beginning to shed off transforming buds. Bud swell was here and with this the vines remobilization of carbohydrates from the trunk was in full swing. Although temperature was high, bud development slow. Southernly winds controlled most of the forecast over this period bring warm weather and holding radiation frost away during this fragile time. Soil analysis was undertaking this time and vital nutrient additions were added to the soil, providing important elements to the vine which will be synthesized during the growing season.
april
April saw the days dry up (a bit!) with less rainfall over West of Sussex. Our sandy top soils saved the day allowing quick percolation of the over saturated soils. This meant that tractors were in full force, playing catch up while mother nature handed us a get out of jail free card. With the soil dry enough to drive on mulching began. Canes from last year, were pulverized and spread under vine, returning much needed carbon back to the soil, one of the major building blocks for microfauna in the soil helping mineralize key nutrients for the vine. 12th of April signified budburst across all sites, a mere eight days earlier than our average. Mid-April showed dry enough conditions to allow for soil preparations. Alternate rows were rotovated ready for cover crops, the likes of Mascani winter oats, Verte Mustard and fodder raddish were chosen to increase rhizosheaths found in the soil and allow different rooting depths. Ostaat crimson clover and dalkeith clover to improve nitrogen in the soil while selfheal, yellow trefoil and phacelia for the important pollinators around our vineyards.
