You might have been reading about the water crisis in the Western Cape which has been negatively affecting tourism and agriculture. For as much you can try to imagine what it means living with a water shortage, you can’t even get close to the reality.
This is the 4th consecutive year we do not have enough winter rainfall to fill up rivers, dams or feeding springs from mountains or boreholes. The ‘Normal Slent average” was about 750_900 mm per winter season. For the duration of 2017, we had 310mm of which 40 mm in November (late spring). Coming from 2016 with only 250 mm, 2015 standing at 326 mm and 2014 when we had 572 mm. Springs are drying up, rivers are empty, bottom of the dams are looking like desert cracked soil, it is truly heart breaking to see the realistic effects the draught is having.
We have been making plans on saving water, drilling “dry” expensive boreholes after months on the waiting list of specialized contractors, irrigating with strict plans and using all the experience in years of farming whilst praying for rain. Weather forecasts predicting rain, even a few drops are seen like a miracle, constantly wiped off by the winds just few hours before the predicted time. Information from close areas where farmers had to cut the top part of their vines forcing them to a dormant stage, are trying to save them for next year, which is both worrying and sad. Farmers are forced to make plans on what to let go off, as they will not have enough to bring all sites to production for the next harvest season.
Looking at our vineyards, you feel decently good. They are looking alive and even if you can see they are thirsty, their canopy is nice and high. The bottom part of the canopy started turning yellowish in some varieties and that’s the beginning of the process of the vine taking back what was given to the grapes. Production looks to be hanging in there as a number of bunches are in good quantity. Berries are smaller though especially in late varieties. We had to make peace with a very small crop for Merlot and bush vine varieties. Pinotage has performed greatly for this season, as well Petit Shiraz, Viognier and Grenache Noir. Chenin Blanc, considering the age of the vineyards (28-31 years old depending on the block) is still surprising us, giving us a fairly decent quantity produced. Sad news for Vermentino fans. Not much out of this vintage. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz still hanging out there. The Baboon’s were spotted this week, having their first visit to these blocks, confirming we are getting close to harvest both these varieties probably by this week.
The industry is looking at a 50% drop in crop this year. Here an interesting article issued by Vinpro for your interest. http://vinpro.co.za/wine-producers-struggle-structural-shi…/
Harvest is still the best time of whole year. You can feel the happiness of bringing the grapes to the cellar as a result of a long year’s work. Our team has been dealing with this difficult harvest and Talia, being in charge on her own for the full harvest, proved to be an amazing asset for Ayama. Ayama 2018 vintage is going to be very precious in our memories and bottles. Looking forward to share them with you all at Prowein.