A photo taken on Wednesday as a dust storm blew in over the vineyard. The vines look so sad and thirsty but they will survive until next year when we will be able to prune and water properly. It is too late this year and we have no fruit to sell anyway - we need to stimulate cash flow through wine sales this year.
News this week that NSW is on target for a 30% reduction in grapevines over the next three years. The devestating grape glut that has made it impossible for growers like ourselves with expired contracts to sell fruit for the past few years and many are selling off land and pulling out vines. The drought is also taking it's toll on vineyards without water (luckily, we have bore water), but grapes are incredibly tough plants which may not produce good fruit in such stressed conditions but should be able to bounce back.
Schadenfreude - benefiting from other's misfortunes - is a terrible thing and my heart breaks for those losing their vineyards, but if we can hang on to our 110 hectares until the glut has balanced out, we may find ourselves in a viable business again.
Spent yesterday cleaning plaster dust, windows and the filthy bathroom up at the shed. Thankfully my friend Kate stepped in to help, rolling up her sleeves and setting to work scrubbing the blackened tiles in the bathroom. Kate pulled me out of my overwhelmed haze and encouraged me to get on with the job. Thank goodness for friends!
Must remember to water the orchard today.
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