Maximum Temperature for the week 41.7C (107F) on Mon. All 7 readings above our monthly average of 29.4C.
Minimum Temperature for the week 12.4C (54F) on Thurs. 6 readings above our monthly average of 14.4C.
Rainfall for the Week 0mm (0 points) 0 days of rain.
Weather data thanks to BOM & Nuriootpa Viticulture Research Centre.
One of the hottest weeks in living memory for us this week. We have not set any new records, however we have just had 6 out of 8 days above 39.0C (101F). The hot weather is not at an end with at least another 2 extremely hot days forecast for this coming week.
This week in the vineyard:
The extremely hot weather of the last week has done some damage to our vineyard, however at this stage it does not to appear to be too bad. The Photos shows some of the damage in Chardonnay (yellow leaves) and Riesling (berry damage). The hot weather has also meant that we have not been able to totally finish the 
last fungicide spray, it will be done first thing next week. Not that we will have any disease issues while this weather continues, this spray is just insurance in case of rain before harvest.
This week will also see our staff come back from their Christmas break, they will be getting ready for harvest (painting bins and getting vehicles ready). The top photo today also shows the first signs of verasion in some of our aged on the vine shiraz.
last fungicide spray, it will be done first thing next week. Not that we will have any disease issues while this weather continues, this spray is just insurance in case of rain before harvest. This week will also see our staff come back from their Christmas break, they will be getting ready for harvest (painting bins and getting vehicles ready). The top photo today also shows the first signs of verasion in some of our aged on the vine shiraz.
2 comments:
I find these weekly updates quite fascinating. Since driving through the Barossa, you realise what an extraordinary part of the world it is. In addition to the larger commercial growers. it seemed there were a few smaller 'patches' of grapes, perhaps no more than a couple of acres. Can people still commercially grow smaller plots or is that becoming increasingly less economical? Cheers
Thanks for the affirmation. I'm glad that my posts are being read by someone. I agree with you that the Barossa is an extraordinary place to grow grapes - I consider myself extremely lucky to live and work here.
The average vineyard holding in the Barossa is less that 10Ha. Unfortunatly this is not large enough to make a living at the prices being paid for most grapes in the Barossa. The only people that are surviving on these small holdings at the moment, are those that are making their own wine. Currently a lot of small vineyards are for sale - and will be absorbed into larger corperate holdings. This has the potential to change the character of the Barossa. The answer to all of this, simple drink more Barossa wine, particularly that from smaller producers!
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