In the vineyard, the annual cycle is well under way. Pruning is finished and the single cane of each vine is tied down, the vines all bowing in satisfying unison. The beaming sun means the ground is finally drying out after the winter and the tractor is back between the rows, mowing the pruning cuttings to mulch them back into the soil. As the sap starts to rise, any day now, the vines will start to weep. Tears of joy, I’d like to think.

After a final round of tasting and confirming our blends, the range of 2024 wines are locked in. Now begins the process of tank Tetris to take forty-something components down to our ten finished wines. A bit like the correct amount of bicycles to own, right now rackings seem to fit the equation of n+1, with n being the current amount of rackings we have to complete. With that begins the logistical process of arranging the arrival of hundreds of kegs and tens-of-thousands of bottles and corks, ready for us to fill with our efforts. Once again we discuss updating and adjusting our labels. As ever, what came before informing everything ahead, just like out in the fields. It feels a bit like spring.