The photo depicts the last shards of sunlight after an overcast, store rainy day, Wednesday 23 November. Spring has been so variable. In the week ending 13 November, after a week of heavy rain, the vineyard did not move – at all. The following six days were sunny and warm and the vines exploded, adding up to 15 cm in length. Before the next spray, due on 29 Nov, we will have to tuck up the canes to avoid mechanical damage by the tractor travelling up and down the narrow rows.
We have just had two days of rain, including thundery weather but, fortunately, no hail. I think were are where we should be with regards to the season which, I must state, is consistent with what we have been experiencing over the past 36 years and not indicating any significant change in climate. if we had measured that last week we would be behind. Now, we are close to average. So far, no symptoms of disease or any other problems. (Fingers crossed!)