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Providence’s “old goats” have been there for a while.  Stuart since 1980 and Gary, we think, since about 2005.  The above photo was taken by Darrell May at Emma and Damian’s wedding party day  (both being official guests). But Christmas saw the arrival of a new goat “Fred” named after his predecessor who was stolen […]

Providence Vineyards has been in the Bryce family since 1980.  Over this time we have been recording the dates of significant events, or the first signs thereof, such as bud burst (usually third week in September); flowering: 5 December; colour change in the Pinot Noir (veraison for the experts!): 9 February.  This year veraison was

Following a magnificent display of colour in August/September, capsule the wattle trees in our area have all died.  Apparently, cost a bug has brought this about.  For the non-Tasmanians, pharm wattle trees in Tassie grow to heights over 10 metres and border the forests and creeks.  These bug attacks are far from frequent and I

What a beautiful day, and a beautiful couple!  Damian Sharrock and my eldest daughter, Emma, actually eloped in the Grampians (Boroka Downs) with some help from Emma’s parents and Damian’s dad Noel and his partner Jan on 16 October, but joined with their friends at Providence for a fabulous day.  Noel was unable to attend

Early this morning (6 Novermber), rx I was spot spraying suckers in a block that I had mowed the previous evening.  What was quite amazing was that the spiders who frequent the vineyard in large numbers, healing had already spun lines across between the rows.  I have no idea how they do that, as the

Providence’s vineyard goat, Gary, is no ordinary goat!  Gary has been with us for more years than we can remember.  He was gifted to Providence by Kerry Sims about seven years ago and is now about 12 years old (we think!).  Up until recently, Providence has run a footy tipping competition and one year it

Even though Providence is not certified as an organic vineyard, symptoms our management program is such that there is virtually no collateral damage to any other species in and around the vineyard, buy more about other than weeds.  The fungi shown is, case I am told, a species that moves in when a tree dies

At Melbourne’s Bamboo House on Monday 27 May at what was rescheduled as a stationary Duck Crawl.  To accompany a magnificent array of duck inspired dishes were some great Pinots:  2009 Hospices de Beaune cuvee Nicholas Rolin; 2010 Farrside by Farr; 2009 Louis Max Morey St Denis Cru les Chaffots; 2009 Bass Phillip Premium 2010; 1999 Providence

Let me state that 2013 was a big improvement on at least the last five years. We picked 3.7 tonnes of Chardonnay and 4.9 tonnes of Pinot Noir.  Quality?  The fruit was in excellent condition, try thanks to the complete exclusion of birds, which also meant no wasps, as despite some opposing views, the wasps

I’m working away from the vineyard but it is in good hands.  The bird control has been nothing short of excellent but we have someone going around the nets every morning to make sure there have been no intrusions.  The excitement is rising as we approach the days that define the season:  picking Chardonnay next