Jonathan’s Vineyard Blog May 16th

May 16, 2022

Jonathan’s Vineyard Blog

 16th May 2022


The past month has flown by and we have been extremely busy - the main task was to plant more vines and this was accomplished under clear blue skies during the first weekend of May.


There is something very positive about planting - so long as the rabbits and deer leave the vines alone; it is humbling to think that such a small plant will be capable of producing a bottle of sparkling wine every year for the next twenty years, if all goes according to plan.

Viticulture requires planning for the long term !


I have good news regarding the release of our Sparkling Wine from the 2020 harvest : I have tasted it, and it is sublime ! We will be releasing it by mid June and I will relay details of the exact date in next month’s blog.


I am sure that everyone has their own  reasons for loving the month of May in the countryside however these are mine : fresh grass and verdant hedgerows ; yellow fields of oilseed rape ; cricket, and a glass of sparkling wine al fresco !


I hope that we will see you at the vineyard over the course of the next few weeks and months - have a great Summer.


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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