Yesterday evening Barbara organised a work party at her Wyfold Vineyard. About 25. The first for a long time. People from the village came and from Laithwaites too. She has a list of regulars. The rain held off. Sunny mostly.
As normal, we start at 5.30 and work till 7.30. Approximately. Yesterday we were lifting the third wire. As well as the permanent ‘fruiting wire’ there are three pairs of trellising wires above it which contain the growth of the vine. Like a sort of corset. They are each lifted into place as the new shoots reach their level. After that we trim any further growth. The third wires are well over six feet up which can be a test for the smaller helpers. I find it quite an effort, they have to leap. The wires clip into hooks on the metal posts.
Barbara’s 80 rows were finished on time and then we all got stuck into a glass or two … or so … of wine and, this time, burgers and sausages. And the trimmings. Barbara doesn’t hold back.
This is the best bit. Out, under the wide sky munching, sipping, chatting away and admiring our handiwork; neat rows of vines. There seem to be plenty of baby grapes this year. Fingers crossed they survive until October. Fingers crossed we all do!
