Winter in the vineyards part 1
During the winter season we all like to hibernate and keep warm in the cold weather (and maybe watch a football match or two). We all need rest and recuperation and the same applies to the vineyards. Cobus van Graan, KWV chief viticulturist told me what they’re up to during the chills and downpours of the Cape winter.
In winter the vineyard teams start preparing for the upcoming season and do maintenance work, such as fixing trellis and irrigation systems as well as servicing spray pumps and vineyard equipment. This is all in preparation for the budding of the vineyards which will coincide with the arrival of spring.
During every autumn they sow cover crops (oats, rye, etc) in the vine rows. These cover crops improve the soil structure, increase the soil’s organic content, naturally suppress unwanted weeds and also serve as a water-saving mulch during the warmer summer months. Judging from the growth rate to date, 2010 seems to be a great season for cover crops.
The weather thus far has been close to ideal for the dormant vines. Ample cold weather has met the chill requirements of the vines. Abundant rain during May and June has saturated soils and filled dams and rivers, ensuring that soil temperatures stay low. This sets the scene for an ideal start to the season.