May 2025
I decided to declare war on the deer population this season, having seen a huge increase in activity and damage over the years. Last year was the last straw when they came in and grazed on the vines’ young shoots. No one is seriously culling deer on the estate that surrounds us: they just take the trophy specimens.
We installed an extra defence this season: a deer fence down the southerly boundary of the vineyard. We suffered badly last year from the deer chewing our young buds. Also, a windbreak screen to lessen the cold winds which we think caused so much damage last spring. In due course the windbreak sheeting will be replaced by a hedge of willow which we planted from whips foraged from the banks of the nearby River Dundas.
The deer took one look at the fence and decided nonchalantly to trot up the drive. I found two roe bucks chewing grass on my lawn one morning. Therefore, the decision has been made to fence the entire perimeter of the vineyard together with a cattle grid at the end of the drive so that, once and for all, we are fully protected. If a deer manages to jump the 4.6 metres I will enter them in the Olympic long jump.
The cattle grid protecting the entrance from the pesky deer
There is a feel-good factor buzz reverberating around the English wine industry currently with whispers of ‘Will it be as good a season if not better than 2018?’ The weather has been sensational for growing grapes albeit much could good happen twixt cup and lip. It would make up for the 2024 when we all went on anti-depressants it was so awful.
I attended the annual wine awards for Wine GB on 17th July at Southwark Cathedral ( a new venue) with a speech from the venerable Hugh Johnson and I was taken by how much improved the still wines were. Normally the sparkling tables are mobbed but this year I noticed Jancis Robinson taking a keen interest in the stills. Stand out for me was the biodynamic ( I would say that would I not?) rosé from Albury in Surrey which is a blend of pinot noir and meunier. Lovely. Maybe we should have an attempt.
My cousin Tessa, who is a farmer, phoned me to say that rain was falling at last and ‘it needs to rain for a week,’ she said. The farm has already lost £160k due to the drought. As a grape grower, I kept very quiet as I just want to sun to keep on shining with no need for rain at the moment. It is a blessing after the misery of 2024. Our vines are now rooting passed 5 metres through flint and chalk, the latter acting as a sponge allowing the vine to take up water as it needs it. No plant likes stands in water, nor do humans for that matter. The only plant which is green is the vine.
