This crimson clover cover crop (see image above) provides a natural source of nitrogen for Grace Farm's vines. The pink nodules on the clover's roots (see image below) contain a haemoglobin-like protein. So, just as our blood carries oxygen throughout our bodies, these nodules transport life-giving nitrogen from the atmosphere into the soil. It's just another piece of the 'feed the soil' philosophy that contributes to the ability of our wines to express the amazing terroir of Grace Farm.
Grace Farm viticulturist Tim Quinlan with chairman of judges Huon Hooke. Ten years after planting its first vines, Grace Farm has been awarded the Max Lake Memorial Trophy for the best Chardonnay at the 2016 Australian and New Zealand Boutique Wine Show Awards with the 2014 Chardonnay. The small Margaret River producer received the trophy at the awards dinner at Manjit’s @ The Wharf, Darling Harbour, Sydney on Monday 11 July 2016. The Grace Farm 2014 Chardonnay also received trophies for best white wine and best wine of the show. Gold medals were awarded to both the Grace Farm 2015 Chardonnay and 2013 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (both wines are yet to be released). Accepting the awards on behalf of his family, an...
The annual Cowaramup Primary School excursion to Grace Farm was another great day out and a special opportunity to open the property to the community. The biological diversity in the forest and creek system, which surrounds and dissects the vineyard, offers a unique outdoor experience for the Year 3 science class. The day begins with a trip to the creek where the excited kids scoop the surface of the water with fine nets looking for aquatic fauna in the shallows. Their interest grows as the nets reveal the types of organisms which inhabit healthy water ways. The presence of tadpoles, insect larvae and juvenile marron reveal a world beyond the muddy banks. With clipboards and pencils in hand our budding...
The photos below show the results of the 65mm of rain we received in January this year. In the first image you can see the incredible regrowth of the vines, with the tips poking through the nets. This occurred in certain patches of deeper soil where the water pooled more.In these areas the bunches of red grapes were shaded by the excessive foliage, as seen in the photo below. It's hard to believe there are any grapes hiding in there at all!As a result, these particular vines have been leaf plucked by hand to ensure even ripening throughout the entire vineyard block, which should result in a more consistent wine. The exposed bunches are shown below.This is winemaking in the vineyard!
The lead up to vintage has seen some nervous moments in the vineyard. On January 16 we had an unseasonal downpour, with 65mm of rain falling over two days. This led to minor outbreaks of grey mould (botrytis bunch rot) in white grapes through some vineyards (see photo below). Fortunately Grace Farm escaped the berry splitting that can compromise bunches and lead to grey mould. Interestingly, we used none of the synthetic fungicides which target botrytis and we feel fortunate that our programme of sulphur, kelp and fish emulsion sprays have kept the vines in good health and the fruit in pristine condition. At present the vineyard is completely netted and we are eagerly awaiting the first pick of chardonnay in...
