July 2025 : Managing Vines, Weeds, and the Developing Crop

July in the Vineyard: Heat, Fruit Set & the Never-Ending Weeds

We’re well into July and the heat has really kicked in. The vines are loving it — they’re growing like crazy — and we’re flat out trying to keep everything under control. The warm, dry weather is a blessing in many ways, but it also means long days, early starts, and plenty of water bottles in the tractor.

Fruit Set: A Promising Start

Flowering has now finished, and we’re moving into fruit set — that moment where the flowers (tiny and not very showy) start turning into actual grapes. This stage is absolutely critical for the size and quality of the harvest, and warm weather like we’ve had is just what the vines need.

We’re starting to see those tight green bunches forming now — tiny grapes that, all being well, will end up in your glass next year. So far, it’s looking good, with minimal signs of coulure or uneven set. Fingers crossed it continues.

 

Canopy Management: Growth on Overdrive

This warm weather has the vines powering ahead — you can almost see them stretching by the hour. That means we’re busy with:

• Tucking in shoots to stop the rows turning into a jungle
• Leaf thinning around the fruit to let air and sun in
• Lateral removal to focus the vines’ energy on ripening grapes, not just growing more greenery

It’s hot, sticky, repetitive work — but it makes all the difference. A well-managed canopy helps the fruit ripen evenly and keeps disease pressure low, especially during any humid spells.

Weed Wars

Warmth and sun are great for vines — and for weeds. Everything is growing fast, above and below the wires.

We’ve been mowing between rows and under vines regularly, trying to keep grass and weeds from competing with the vines for water. With no real rain in weeks, that moisture is precious. We’re keeping herbicide use to a minimum and using mechanical weeding where we can. It’s a constant job — as soon as you finish one row, the others need doing again!

Keeping Cool (Just About)

The team has been starting early to beat the worst of the heat, but even by mid-morning it’s roasting. Hats, suncream, and gallons of water are the order of the day. The vines might love the heat — we’re just trying to keep up with them!

 

 

Tractor Work & Maintenance

The tractor’s out nearly every day at the moment — whether it’s for spraying, mowing, or tightening up the trellis. The canopy’s getting heavy, and now’s the time we’re checking wires and posts to make sure nothing gives way later in the season.

 

 

Wildlife Update

Despite the heat, the vineyard is buzzing — literally. Bees are everywhere and the hedgerows are full of life. It’s always a good sign when the wildlife is as active as we are.

Sip of Summer: Bacchus is Back

If all this talk of heat and hard work is making you thirsty — good news. Our 2024 Bacchus, fresh off a Gold win from the IEWA, is the perfect summer white. Crisp, aromatic, and properly refreshing — think elderflower, lime, and a touch of something herbal. Best served cold, ideally outside in the sunshine.

Available now from the Cellar Door shop or online.

As July draws to a close, the focus will shift toward veraison — when grapes begin to change colour and soften — and preparing the vineyard for the final ripening period. The decisions we make now will influence the flavour and balance of the wines we’ll be bottling in 2026.

We’ll continue canopy work, keep an eye on moisture levels, and watch the fruit develop — all with one eye on the forecast, as ever.

Until next month.