“Two Days in May”

365 days of effort, combatting the weather, feral animals, birds, mud, grass and wasps came to an end in just two days.  On 3 and 4 May we picked our Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Riesling.  A little later than usual (Global Cooling?) As has been the case for the past 14 years, the staff, students and parents of the Launceston Church Grammar Music School, and a few ring-ins, came to the fore and picked the fruit in the most atrocious conditions.  The only thing it didn’t do was rain.  The wind blew a gale, sufficient to blow dogs off chains and it was freezing!

The fruit was excellent:  small berries and the results of a complete exclusion of birds.  The white varieties experienced some damage caused by the late rains.  I think 2014 vintage will be a cracker!

Despite the change in school holidays, the new head of music, Sherryn Hepher, managed to round up two very competent posses who worked exceedingly well.  They were well supported by two chefs in the kitchen, my daughter Lisa and her friend Tom, who knocked up excellent morning teas and lunches.