Spring, when everything bursts back into life is always a special time of year, but this year it is especially so after all the problems of 2020. It is also my first spring in the vineyard. I am eagerly watching the buds on the vines (which seemed so brutally cut back during pruning) beginning to break open and grow.
Just as the vines are ‘budding up’ and preparing to enter the world again so are we. Life is opening up again and I have been able to welcome the first guests to ‘The Grape Escape’ pod in the vines. Incredibly it is now nearly fully booked, but I do have permission for a second ‘pod’ so watch this space! The guests really enjoyed their stay and the ability and opportunity to ‘get away’ for a few days is appreciated after being in Lockdown. - simple pleasures!
I have also done my first few ‘Tour & Tastes’ and have several more booked in. Some people are just looking for somewhere to go now places are re-opening, some to celebrate a special occasion or birthday or because, surprisingly enough, they are interested in wine. Obviously being outdoors we have few problems with being ‘covid compliant’. It is lovely to be able to share the fantastic place that is Valley Vineyard, and our wines, with others. As you can see from the photo, you can even have a ‘picnics in the vines’. Under the current circumstances a great, and unusual, way to celebrate.
It is beautifully tranquil when you are standing amongst the vines, the rest of the world recedes and you have to remind yourself you are in Suffolk, just 6m from the town of Halesworth. In fact there is a footpath that runs to Valley Farm, so for those trying to get away from driving everywhere, you can arrive by train and stroll up, ‘tour & taste’, and stroll back to catch the train home!
At the moment the buds are at the ‘wooly bud’ stage. They are perhaps a little behind where they should be, but that may be a good thing considering the changeable April weather and frosts we have been having. A late frost could decimate the harvest, so I am watching the weather forecast avidly. I am eagerly anticipating the vines really getting growing and also to welcoming more people to the vineyard. See you soon!