Around the Farm

Viticulture

2020 has seen an interesting programme undertaken in the College vineyard "East River Wines". 85% of the vineyard has been grafted to improved clones of the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in November 2019, with the late harvested varieties, Shiraz and Merlot being deleted.

The results have varied somewhat with rampant Pinot growth on the Shiraz root stock, with a 98% success rate and a substantial fruit set this season. A success rate of 87% with the improved Mendoza clone of Chardonnay onto the previously mixed clone Chardonnay block has been pleasing, with rapid cane growth this season.

Some clones of Merlot do not respond to grafting, however we achieved 83% success rate with grafting Pinot onto the Merlot root stock. Infill grafting in these sections will occur mid to late December. Students have found the grafting concept intriguing and are keenly anticipating the 2021 harvest.

Apple Pruning

An innovation for 2020 has been the development of an apple pruning team for the students to overcome the acute labour shortage in rural areas this year.

The team operated at both Denmark Apples orchard and the Heritage Cider Company orchard, with ongoing weekend work offered at both venues for 2021. The work covered crop thinning and picking, with students gaining skills and knowledge of commercial apple production and cider making. A consistent team effort lead by a number of standout performers.

Nigel Levinson