We start by making sure that the fruit is not damaged
by birds. As sugar levels rise eight Bird Gard solar powered bird repelling
stations are installed in the vineyard. Silver tape is also used throughout
the vineyard as an added measure of protection.

A
small laboratory has been installed on site to closely monitor sugar,
pH and acid levels of each block. Both berries and whole clusters are
sampled and we personally remain in constant communication with our
winemaker customers. In addition we strongly encourage winemakers to
visit the vineyard regularly to taste the ripening progress of the fruit.
Picking decisions are made as much on taste readiness of the fruit as
on sugar, pH and acid levels.
We encourage winemakers to be the final decision makers on exactly when
to pick each block.
The majority of picking is done at night. Night lights
and tractor mounted generators allow field crews to take advantage of
the nighttime cool weather. Night picking also allows for earlier delivery
of fruit to wineries.
All the fruit is hand picked. A field crew member is
assigned the full time job of ensuring that no material other than grapes
(MOG) gets into the bins. We can deliver fruit in either half ton or
2 ton bins up to 20 tons at a time.
We also purchase or rent the right loading and handling
equipment to load and haul standard bins safely and on time. Lastly
we show up on time at customer crushing/ destemming facilities.