Despite a disconcertingly wet start to the season we first took the snips to the Ortega on the 16th September. Whilst the poor weather looked like it was here to stay, much like Wales’ come back in ‘that’ rugby match, the sun is now in full view at the vineyard and the grapes are benefiting greatly from its presence, which will hopefully last long into October.
The main pick of Ortega started on Thursday 1st October, with around 25 workers hand-picking the remained of the Ortega crop should be harvested in the next week or so. The other 10 varieties are holding up well and we will soon move on to harvesting Bacchus and Reichensteiner. So far we are happy with the standard of juice from the fruit coming in, which will only improve with the continued good forecast.
Anyone visiting the vineyard during the week may be lucky enough to see the pickers and the grape press in action, giving a delightful grape to glass experience as they move on to taste all our wines in the shop. If you would like to book a private tour during harvest time to learn more about the wine production at Biddenden please do call 01580 291726 or email info@biddendenvineyards.co.uk
