3 August 2005
Good rains have fallen at Cloof at regular intervals since April, which is a big relief after two dry winters. Our vineyards are not irrigated, which means that the vines rely on moisture retained in the soil to see them through the summer. As a result of drought these reserves were at critical levels towards the end of summer (several of our bore holes actually dried up).

From a viticultural point of view, we are entering a downy mildew risk period. Warm, wet conditions (which are possible in Spring) are ideal for the spread of mildew. It is also in this stage of the growth cycle that downy can destroy the 2006 harvest, because vineyards have started budding, with flowering following shortly thereafter. Our spraying programme should avert this. However, if conditions remain wet throughout September many parts of the farm will be impassable to tractors.

We have planted approximately five hectares of Viognier, and as soon as the lands dry out sufficiently we’ll plant similar plots of Shiraz and Cabernet Franc.

The images alongside are of our farm dam, which overflowed yesterday for the first time in more than three years.