As we finish picking blocks we rip the soil to loosen it up — tractor wheels tend to compact the soil — to prepare it for winter seeding. We use a combination of grasses which , primarily, are to combat erosion.
With 6 foot rows and a 4 foot tractor you pay attention.
Recently we have seen claims by wineries and vineyards of Biodynamic practices. We were curious since none of them actually spell it out. What is Biodynamics and what are its requirements? Here are a few taken from Wikipedia.
Pests such as insects or field mice (Apodemus) have more complex processes associated with them, depending on what pest is to be targeted. For example field mice are to be countered by deploying ashes prepared from field mice skin when Venus is in the Scorpius constellation.
Weeds are combated (besides the usual mechanical methods) by collecting seeds from the weeds and burning them above a wooden flame. The ashes from the seeds are then spread on the fields, which is intended to block the influence from the full moon on the particular weed and make it infertile.
(horn-manure) a humus mixture prepared by filling the horn of a cow with cow manure and burying it in the ground (40–60 cm below the surface) in the autumn. It is left to decompose during the winter and recovered for use the following autumn.
There is more, of course, but in a nutshell (no pun intended), Biodynamics is the creation of Rudolf Steiner, born in Croatia in the late 19th century. It has both authorial and spiritual connections with Anthroposophy and Theosophy.
We applaud anyone who follows its strictures.
At Santa Barbara Winery we are now receiving Sauvignon Blanc grapes but Chardonnay is not far behind.
David Lafond has taken some photos of the Chardonnay in our Lafond Vineyard that show off its golden qualities.
The Santa Rita Hills appellation is known for both its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay although the former is getting all the press lately. Chardonnay will, undoubtedly, begin to receive the same recognition and we would point to our 2005 Lafond, Lafond Vineyard Chardonnay as an example — balanced, fruity and complex with none of its components dominating.
Nets installed only a few weeks ago are removed just prior to picking. Unfortunately they go on a lot easier than they come off. The vines become entangled with the nets and are difficult to pull apart.
The nets in the photo are eight years old so despite some rough handling we get some wear out of them.
The Syrah is beginning to show veraison but unlike the Pinot Noir, at this stage, which must be completely netted or it will be ravaged by starlings, Syrah is rarely netted and, if so, only in selected areas. The Syrah clusters are larger than those for Pinot Noir, the berries , as well, are larger and their skin is tougher which may offer them more protection.
The first photo is of Syrah and shows the stage of veraison, or coloring. The second is of the entrance to the Lafond Winery and Vineyard showing the beginning of our Syrah block located next to Santa Rosa Road.
With veraison, the coloring of the grape, comes netting. This is the only sure protection against birds. Bright objects, fake falcons and even the periodic canon noises are no protection. They work for a while but the birds catch on quickly.
A crew of three can install five acres of nets in one day. They are harder to remove than install because the vines grow into the mesh and become attached. They are removed just prior to picking, usually the day before but sometimes only hours before. The nets are stored and used again the following year.
Veraison is now very noticeable and the darkening grapes will soon become very attractive targets to our bird population. Beginning Monday we will cover all our Pinot Noir Blocks with nets. It makes it diffficult for us to get in as well as the birds. Fortunately at this stage we can do no more — the grapes are on their own, we have done all we can.
The crop looks to be excellent — smaller than past years — which means the flavors could be more intense. Harvest seems about six weeks away.
To see the grapes developement over the season
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