The Easter long weekend is often seen as the goal by which many winemakers aim to get all their grapes into the cellar. The promise of a relaxing long weekend is often the only source of motivation when the long days start to drag.

 

The problem is that Easter moves around and the weather doesn’t always play along. Being out in Elgin, were it is cooler and consequently later, it is often a very close call, but this year we did it!

 

Yes, today we are taking the very last grapes for the 2012 vintage, sure there is still plenty to be done in the cellar, but at least now one unpredictable variable, the weather, has been eliminated from the equation.

 

The rose and the Sauvignon Blanc tanks are all dry and the red’s are not too demanding, so this Easter should be a mostly relaxing one for me. Only a few pump overs of the reds and perhaps a couple of punch downs, but that should be it for me, so until next week, when I will update you again, I hope you have a fantastic long weekend! 

 

Sean Skibbe is a winemaker at South Hill Vineyards in the Elgin Valley. Follow him over the next few weeks as he shares his view on how his 7th vintage is panning out.Visit www.southhill.co.za to find out more about what's happening at the estate.