The Orchard Vineyard
Wow how time has passed since I set up the Vineyard at the Orchard, 5 years ago.I had the pleasure of chatting to Simon Fisher who inspired and advised me so much that I bit the bullet, chatted with the council and then started to put the posts in the ground digging approximately 2000 holes and 5 years on we are starting to see some great results. I was always told it’s a slow process and one that should be savoured well they were not wrong. Various challenges at the start with covid, followed by deer, then more covid and then more deer. Thankfully covid passed, fencing went in and the plants had a chance to grow.
It always fascinates me when the bud break season arrives, but this year has just been fantastic. As the vines start to mature their growth each year demonstrates the rewards of all the hard work put in the previous year. This October we should, fingers crossed be our first collection. We still have last years young vines which I am sure will catch up soon with their predecessors that were planted some four years ago. With the growing season ahead the under vine management continues to be a challenge but we are getting there.
A big thank you to everyone who has supported the project, especially my brother Tim the Post man (he helped getting the posts in the ground not delivery my mail), Simon at West Fisher Winery and all the various companies that have donated chippings and compost over the last four Year. A special thanks to Skylar the boss dog for keeping me company in the field. You are all stars…..
A great start to the season and the Orchard continues to be a place where we all grow.
