Jonathan’s Vineyard Blog March 9th

March 9, 2022

We are transitioning towards steel posts as support for our vines however those planted in the 1980’s and 1990’s have a trellis system which uses wooden ones.

On the whole these posts have stood the test of time, nevertheless every winter we find it necessary to replace quite a few due to their age, condition, or both.

I do this job in the winter because it’s far easier during dormancy when there is no heavy foliage which needs to be supported. It’s vitally important to maintain a trellis system in good order not only for the fruiting canes but also so that a tractor may pass unimpeded between the rows.

In common with almost everything else the price of these posts has gone up ! A wooden post which cost £6.50 in January 2021 is now costing £8.00. I am sure that you are all encountering the same problem with inflation so I will leave it at that !

In spite of all the sadness right now in the daily news bulletins there is something endearingly hopeful about the countryside in March : snowdrops are in flower, daffodils are poking their way through the soil, vines are being pruned and new ones will soon be planted; the days are lengthening and Spring is on its way. There is hope.


Kind Regards


Jonathan

jcdeeley@godstonevineyards.com


January 27, 2025
The month of January often seems a long one to endure post Christmas, with its cold, short days ; however it is always a very busy month in our vineyard, and with pruning and tree management to undertake this one has been no exception. Our vines are grown on a system called “Double Guyot”, learn more about how they are winter pruned here . Godstone Vineyard is surrounded on three sides by extensive areas of woodland, and, like everything else in the countryside, this requires annual management. We are very proud of our tree planting endeavours, which have taken place every winter for the past three decades. However, the countryside finds itself confronted by the horrors of “Ash Dieback” — an airborne disease which is wreaking havoc across the British Isles. To learn more about Ash Dieback, how it spreads, and control efforts, please click here . We have embarked upon upgrading our wirework in the vineyard, much of which is nearly 40 years old — the cost of steel wire is a shock ! We always love to see you at Godstone Vineyard and if you would like to join us for a glass or two of wine and perhaps a charcuterie and cheese platter we are open on Saturday 8th February , and thereafter monthly. Kind Regards Jonathan
By GODSTONE December 16, 2024
As the year draws to a close it’s time to reflect on the past year: the weather has dominated proceedings - a year characterised by incessant rainfall at the wrong time of the growing season which, coupled with severe bird damage on ripening grapes, resulted in no harvest at Godstone in 2024. This was incredibly disappointing. We have significant stocks of wines - bottled and unbottled - from previous harvests which will ensure continuity of supply in the short to medium term, however, a harvest in 2025 will be critically important if we are to avoid supply side disruption in the future. Fingers crossed for a far better year ahead. We will be opening our shop and café once a month throughout 2025. Our next date is Saturday 18th January and if you would like to attend then please reserve a place using the link below: 
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