GRAPE GROWING AND WINE MAKING

HOME

Moorlynch vineyard has been growing grapes and making wine for over 20 years. During that time we have become well known and won many awards for our wines. Following a decision in 1999 to retire the proprietors Anne and Peter Farmer have steadily reduced the size of the vineyard, and diversified the many fine buildings to other uses, particularly craft units. We regret we are now unable to show visitors round the vineyard or winery but this part of our website describes the processes we have used to make the fine wines we have on sale today, and is for those who would like to know more about the technical side of viticulture, wine-making, and the regulations relating to the production of wine.

The vineyard year runs through a number of stages as the season progresses. In rather the same way that a school year starts in the autumn, we consider the vineyard year begins in the late autumn, after the harvest is complete, and we prepare for next year. Though the exact dates vary from year to year they are roughly:

• Vine Pruning Winter pruning from October to March prepares the vine for its summer of growth.
• Spring and Summer Bud burst around April is followed by flowering and berry set in June/July. This section also deals with leaf growth, grape ripening, pesticides etc..
• Harvest and Grape Pressing Getting the grapes in and pressing them takes place between September and November.
• Wine making From grape to glass in outline. Our winter activity in the winery.
• Sparkling Wine Sparkling wine is the fastest growing sector of the English/Welsh wine business - especially appropriate as we invented the process before the French anyway. Intrigued? Then click and follow the story!