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

Jonathan’s Vineyard Blog - July 2025

By GODSTONE • July 1, 2025
A consequence of warm, dry Summers (such as 2025) is the prevalence in English vineyards of a disease called ‘powdery mildew’; unchecked it can devastate the entire grape crop and so vigilance is required in order to prevent it taking hold. It thrives in humid weather and especially where airflow between the vines is limited. Powdery mildew infection appears as a white, powdery coating on leaves, stems, and fruit. If left untreated it can stunt growth, reduce fruit quality, and even affect the flavour of the wine. Of the two varieties which we grow at Godstone the most at risk from mildew is Bacchus due to its dense canopy of foliage. Our other variety, Seyval Blanc, is fairly resistant to mildew. The best thing to do in order to prevent mildew from taking hold is an enhanced programme of canopy management, especially leaf stripping - which significantly improves air flow around the grapes, combined with reducing the amount of foliage. We rely upon a loyal group of friends who kindly offer their services voluntarily on several days throughout the Summer in order to help us with our canopy management and we are eternally grateful for their help. Our vineyard will be open on three Saturdays during July and, if you would like to visit, please kindly reserve your spaces using the links below: SATURDAY 12th JULY https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-summer-of-wine-at-godstone-vineyards-tickets-1250420093159?aff=oddtdtcreator SATURDAY 19th JULY https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-summer-of-wine-at-godstone-vineyards-tickets-1358395691079?aff=oddtdtcreator SATURDAY 26th JULY https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/a-summer-of-wine-at-godstone-vineyards-tickets-1436108622549?aff=oddtdtcreator We hope to see you during July! Kind Regards Jonathan

Jonathan’s Vineyard Blog - May 2025

By GODSTONE • May 27, 2025
My interest in weather forecasts borders on obsessiveness, and 2025 has thus far been fascinating. The ten year average rainfall at Godstone for the period 1st January - 31st May inclusive is 200mm; this year the accumulated total is 90mm. It has been a very dry Spring as can be seen by the deep, wide cracks in the soil throughout the vineyard. Spring 2025 has also been the sunniest since records began 115 years ago. The warm dry weather has continued throughout May due to a persistent area of high pressure known as a “blocking high” reinforced by an amplified jet stream which has trapped high pressure in place and led to the prolonged dry spells. On balance, unlike farmers who are trying to grow cereals and/or grass, a vineyard benefits from a Spring such as 2025. An established vine is able to withstand drought far better than most crops thanks to their deep root systems which allow them to access moisture that is not easily available to shallow-rooted plants. A newly planted vine would need watering in a Spring such as 2025 but most of our vines are almost 40 years old and have no moisture issues. We would love to see you in June and will be open on two Saturdays: BOOK A VISIT TO OUR VINEYARD FOR SAT 7th JUNE https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1343877988239?aff=oddtdtcreator BOOK A VISIT TO OUR VINEYARD FOR SAT 21st JUNE https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1250419581629?aff=oddtdtcreator Kind Regards Jonathan