Pruned to perfection: an enlightening morning in Macedon
Just a snip and tuck...
Sara Schwarz
Macedon Ranges Wine - Limited Edition postcards [©Macedon Ranges Vigneron's Association]
Through somewhat unusual circumstances, in 2008 we became the proud owners of a young chasselas grapevine, nicknamed Napoleon. It is a precious addition to our otherwise ordinary Australian backyard as rumour has it, the original vine was once the property of Napoleon Bonaparte – although the story of how this cutting came to live with us in suburban Melbourne, is a tale for another day.
As self-appointed caretaker, I felt it my duty to be educated on Napoleon’s correct care and maintenance and upon further research, discovered Bob and Barbara Nixon and their Gisborne Peak winery annual pruning day – a part of their ‘Adopt-a-Vine’ program.
Only 25 minutes from Melbourne Airport, Gisborne Peak is a boutique winery snuggled gently into the hillside in the Macedon Ranges. Here, Bob and Barbara have built a winery aimed at ensuring the visitor feels both relaxed and welcomed - and it shows as it soon becomes apparent this is a favourite spot for locals who come to feast regularly on the woodfire pizzas and to stock up on wines for their cellars.
In winter grapevines lie dormant. Having shed their leaves through April and May they await the warm breath of spring to awaken their sleeping spirits. July, therefore, is the time to prune away last year’s growth ensuring the best possible beginning for next year’s harvest.
And so, on a frosty July morning, 35 intrepid folk traipse into a pre-warmed marquee dressed in all manner of beanies, scarves, coats and boots. We warm our hands with mugs of coffee and our hearts with homemade muffins while Bob takes us through the plan for the morning, which thanks to the wise planning of wife Barbara, has a strong food focus: breakfast; OH&S and education session; brunch; into the vines for pruning; lunch with wines.
With a large vine cutting hung before us, pruning, it soon becomes apparent is a rather straight-forward task. The art however is to know which parts to cut away and which to leave behind. With a simple snip, Bob shows us how to select a cane from last years’ growth while removing all unwanted wood. He then trims the cane further, leaving around seven to eight buds explaining these will provide next year’s leaves and fruit. Next Bob shows us the correct method to wrap the cane along the wire, to stretch it out for maximum sunlight and aeration, while also protecting it from damaging strong winds.
Feeling educated and enlighted (and after a tasty brunch), we don our extra layers - no gloves sadly for OH&S reasons - making our way to a section of vines carefully selected for our novice skills. Bob and Brian, his trusted offsider, wander the vines with us giving words of encouragement as we cut, bend and wrap our way along the row of vines. Ever patient and encouraging, they barely flinch as we mishandle the vines, twisting and pulling them as we go. It is quite a satisfying challenge to get my vines trimmed and tied neatly down, though I’m glad I’ve only half a dozen vines to work through and not the whole vineyard.
Just as our toes begin to freeze, the wafting smell of wood-fired pizzas drifts over the vines to revive us. Not just pizzas but a banquet of wood-fired roast potatoes, Thai pumpkin soup and sausages await us while Bob and Barbara are on hand for a chat about the morning and to tempt us with glasses of their latest release sauvignon blanc, their estate grown pinot, shiraz, riesling and chardonnay.
At home that evening, over a glass of riesling, Napoleon was trimmed and trained to perfection – and I’m proud to report in spring 2009, our little Napoleon bloomed. Next summer I hope to fully harvest the fruits of my labour.
To find out more about Gisborne Peak's annual pruning day or their 'adopt-a-vine' program, contact Barbara at the winery on 03 5428 2228
In 2010, the annual pruning day will be held on July 24th. Book in early or stop by some other time over the winter, their rabbit pie is true winter soul food.
Regions
- Macedon Ranges (Wine) (VIC)
- Macedon Ranges & Spa Country (VIC)
- Melbourne Surrounds (VIC)
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MEMBER BENEFIT: At Gisborne Peak in the Macedon Ranges, Members are treated to 2 for 1 woodfired pizzas on weekend and public holidays, and 2 for 1 glass of wine on any day of the week »
The Macedon Ranges sit just on Melbourne's door step, less than an hour from the city. The region's vineyards are located along either side of the Great Dividing ... wine reflecting the climate and topography of this area »
Gisborne Peak and Mawarra Vineyard are located in the Macedon Ranges, a short drive from Melbourne and only 20 minutes from Melbourne airport, in Victoria's Spa ... read more
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