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

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