Guarding the Grapes: Harvest Edition

Harvest is here and the vineyard crew has begun the race to pick the fruit in a timely fashion. I’m happy to report that the vineyard is in outstanding health and we will have a bountiful harvest proceeded by terrific wine. The mornings are beginning to cool down, making it perfect for picking fruit. If you remember last year, I mentioned that the crew starts early in the morning to ensure the fruit won’t cook in the bins before they arrive at the winery for processing.  

I often wonder if nature sends out some kind of newsletter to let all the animals know “It’s harvest here at Chrysalis”. We have begun to see a signs of some deer and bird damage. In response, Freddi and crew leaped into action with the deterrents. Tall deer netting is wrapped around entire blocks of our white varietals to discourage any unwanted grazing. Our netting stands about 6ft high and creates a depth perception illusion, meaning it’s hard for the deer to gauge whether or not they can hop over to the fruit. Though, we do occasionally get the brave buck who of course, jumps in like it’s the standard procedure.

For the birds, we have a few forms of deterrents. The first and most common are balloons that look like a target was painted on them. To smaller birds this looks as if large predatory  birds are watching them. If you were to drive out to the Graciano in the vineyard, you’ll notice silver tape that has been wrapped around the end posts and catch wires. This reflects this sun and makes an unpleasant crinkling noise that drives birds nuts while they try to enjoy a delicious meal of Loudoun Counties finest fruit. The last bird scare technique utilized here at Chrysalis Vineyards, are speakers that emit the sounds of  birds in distress. To other avian critters this creates distress and acts as a warning. These tools discourage any wildlife from enjoying the terrific fruit that Freddi spends all year growing.

All in all the Albariño is in impeccable shape and the ripeness is spot on for our Verde this year! Our Fer Servadou looks incredibly ripe, but the chemistry doesn’t match yet. Just a few more weeks before we start producing the Tximeleta. As always the Norton looks wonderful, but we are still weeks away. I can happily say that 2020 is going to be an exciting vintage…weather permitting of course!