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On the 26th of April 2004, the first of three thousand five
hundred vines, were planted at Polgoon Vineyard. To say that
we were on a steep learning curve was a bit of an understatement!
The idea of planting vines, came from John (Coulson) initially,
and then enquires were then made regarding the suitability
of the site and climate. ARM Laboratories were contracted
to conduct soil analysis on the site in December 2003, and
the results proved to be favourable for vine growing. Bob
Lindo of Camel Valley was contacted. He proved to be a great
help and continues to be, providing us with a great deal of
knowledge and support.
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has also put us in touch with Hans Schleifer, who is a vineyard
and wine production consultant. Hans is also a great source
of information, and has more than helped to steer us in the
right direction. Four varieties have been planted in the one
hectare site, Ortega, Seyval Blanc, Rondo and Fruhbugunder.
(Pinot Noir early) |
laying out the field |
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field was turned in preparation, using a plough, and was then
set out using canes and string lines in to 41 rows, all approximatley
ninety metres long. The rows were 2.2 metres apart and each
vine is planted 1.2 metres apart. This was a rather time consuming
job, and was done over the course of a few days by Steve and
Tom. |
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it augurs well |
planting
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The vineyard will be there for decades, so it was important
to get this very early stage correct. Planting was done using
a one man auger, which is basically a small two stroke petrol
engine attached to a six inch diameter cork screw! Most people
just dig the vines in with a shovel, but having used a auger
in other situations,I could see a definite advantage in using
a machine. |
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holes were bored eight to ten inches deep by myself with a
team of three to four people behind, planting and backfilling.
Canes were placed by each vine and a plastic rabbit guard
was secured around the plant, everyone helped with this, even
the children Emma, Ben and Millie. |
making guards |
little
helper |
taking shape |
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we had the system running, the team managed to dig, plant, backfill
and fit guards to eight hundred to a thousand vines per day.
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Once
the vines were planted, the team set about erecting the trellising.
This consists of three inch diameter timber posts, every fourth
plant, with a eight inch diameter timber post at the end of
each row. Wires 2.5 mm thick, are stretched from end to end
at specified heights in order to train the vines. Deciding
to use an auger again, I soon discovered that a hand held
machine would not cope with the depth required. |
post and wires
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first
shoot |
I phoned around and managed to trace a twelve inch diameter
auger, attached to a 3.5 tonne, three hundred and sixty degree
excavator. This piece of kit proved to be invaluable and all
nine hundred holes were dug within three days.
Although we had no real idea of how to set the vineyard up,
the whole process only took us around three weeks, albeit
with a few hundred blisters and sore muscles and a lot of
help from experts Bob Lindo and Hans Schleifer. |
Now
the infastucture is set, we are concentrating on training
the vines. This is a full time job, involving pruning and
spraying, as well as keeping the ground between the rows
well maintained. An agronomist, has been appointed to help
guide us regarding spraying. We are also in the process
of buying a vineyard specific tractor and several attachments
to help us keep on top of the work. With thoughts of planting
more vines next year and possibly an orchard as well, the
coming months should prove to be very exciting. We will
keep you informed as we progress and if you would like to
visit us, please just call and ask.
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first
growth |
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