The methods of nurturing, pruning and fertilising the vines were standard, but it was all new to us. If I had my time again, the trellis’ would be different and possibly I would irrigate a little to support the vines in summer drought. The procedures for disease control and other aspects of vineyard management are now commonly applied in the region and there is little point in detailing them even though we had to learn them from book and experts.
The usual difficulties were experienced but were overcome. The Junipers, whom I employed, moved, and I employed the Merchants to manage the developing vineyard, which they did part-time from about 1969, and full-time in 1971, when the house was built. The Rossi’s came from Brunswick Junction as the labour force at weekends and on holidays. I spent most of my weekends and all myt holidays on the place and lived in the shed. It was hard work. The first vintage, off 4 year old vines, was in 1971. The winery vats and machinery were built and purchased in the preceding months. The harvest was a disaster due to bunch-rot and silver-eyes. I will not forget the exhaustion and disappointment. The Merchants left and the Neaves came. In 1972, off a small crop, we produced a Riesling wine that created quite a stir at the Perth Show. It was treated with bentorite in the fermenter and filtered off its lees. It was this wine and the subsequent publicity that brought Margaret River wines to the attention of the Australian public. We had some success with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1973.
Part Seven:
Progress
