|
RECENT ARTICLES | WYNBOER HOME
Wynboer Tips for March
1. Planning
- Keep comprehensive records of production, grape analyses, vigour, irrigation schedules, etc. for all vineyards.
- Soil analyses should be done in each block every 3 years. (Fertilisation purposes.)
- Evaluate how the actual wine compares to the intended wine goal of each vineyard.
- Check whether cultivar planning is still in line with market requirements and exsisting natural factors (terroir etc.).
2. In the vineyard
Harvest:
- Monitor ripeness - take bunch and/or berry samples at least twice a week to monitor the ripening process.
- Liaise with your viticulturist and winemaker to harvest at the optimal degree of ripeness.
Disease and pest control:
- Keep IPW records up to date.
- Post-harvest disease control only to maintain healthy leaves (remember young vines).
- Post-harvest is the best time for nematode control.
Irrigation:
- Pre-harvest - abundant water supply as well as water shortages are detrimental to quality. A decreasing soil water level during ripening is the ideal situation.
- Post-harvest - supplement the soil profile to its full depth.
Fertilisation:
- The most important fertiliser application. Fertilise according to vigour.
- Wait ± three to four weeks after the harvest for applications.
Weed control:
- Spot spray perennial problem weeds.
- Control is essential if weed growth is problematic.
Root pruning:
- Only to alleviate compaction, directly after the harvest in alternate rows in moist soils before applying post-harvest fertilisation.
3. Financial
- Make arrangements for financing of vineyard establishment and order trellis and irrigation material.
- Draw up a budget and cash flow statement for the coming production year.
- Compare, on a monthly basis, the budgeted situation with actual expenses as well as with the corresponding month of the previous year and make adjustments if required.
- If your financial year ends in February and you expect a heavy tax burden, invest in productive capital e.g. poles, wire, irrigation equipment or fertiliser and not vehicles or machinery.
Compiled by: VinPro Consultation Service
A more detailed version may be ordered from Annamarie van Onselen on (021) 8073027
Value begins in the vineyard...
VinPro Consultation Service
|
|
|
|
Wynboer is incorporated in WineLand, magazine of the SA wine producers.
Subscribe to WineLand
Visit our sister sites:
South African wine farmers' representative organisation
Facts, figures, contact details and much more in the 2009/10 Directory
|
