This month we've finished netting all the grapevines, to prevent bird damage. Over the years we've observed over 70 different species of birds here, so our vines are completely netted, and then painstakingly pegged (with colourful plastic clothes pegs!) to eliminate any gaps that a bird might access.

The 2009 crop estimates are excellent, and this year we expect to produce a Beaujolais-style Pinot Noir, as well as Pinot Gris, Viognier,  Rose and  Schonberger wines. The 2008 Pinot Noir that has been in oak barrels for a year, will be bottled in May, and available later in the year.

Our 2008 Pinot Gris has almost sold out, and we've had a fantastic reception to it, as well as the Viognier. Visitors to Golden Bay, both from  New Zealand and overseas, have thoroughly enjoyed the wines, and returned to their homes with a few extra bottles.

We've also had local Golden Bay residents phone us to say they'd bought some of our wine, and `it was the best wine they'd ever had!'.

So, we feel inspired to continue!

We have 2 more suppliers...Casa Del Vino in Nelson, and Schnapp Dragon in Takaka.
Here's hoping we have a hot, and dry autumn, and the grapes remain healthy.