Almost Flowering Time

It is almost the end of October, and that means that flowering time is almost upon us. Flowering time is a very critical phase in the vineyard. The bunches is extremely vulnerable to fungus infections, especially Downy Mildew.

Luckily there is no signs of any diseases yet, so things are still looking good.

Sir Charles Henry Darling and Sauvignon blanc does it again!!

Well done to our winemakers for the following prizes won at the Wine Of The Month Club.

Onyx Sauvignon blanc 2009 - Best Sauvignon blanc of the year (Welma Visser)
Sir Charles Henry Darling 2007 - The Reserve Wine Club Bordeaux blend out of 20 wines (Abe Beukes)

End of September..

Its been a while since I posted an update. The vineyards are growing at a phenomenal rate. Here is just a few pics of Pinotage bush vine in Darling.

MUNDUS Vini 2011

Man am I excited!! Our wines are doing great on the international wine shows and competitions this year! It shows our ongoing dedication to putting quality products on the market. And now, one of my favourite wines in the Darling Cellars arsenal, The Sir Charles Henry Darling, have achieved a truly great reward. GOLD at the 11th MUNDUS Vini held in Germany. Congratulations to everyone that helped craft this fine wine.

The Michelangelo CCL Label International Wine Awards

Gold Medal winner - Darling Cellars Reserve "Six Tonner" Merlot


Silver Medal Winner - Darling Cellars Premium Shiraz



Silver Medal Winner - Darling Cellars Reserve "Arum Fields " Chenin Blanc

Growth Phases

I thought I'd share this with you. I didn't shrink the photos, so that you can maximize them to 100%. It is just better that way, specially with the budding eyes.

I will be numbering the phases according to the BBCH scale (describes the phenological development stages of a plant).

(05) Wool Bud stage

(09) Green Tip

(11) First Leaf unfolded

(13) Third leaf unfolded

to be continued...

The Beginning

It is almost the start of the 2011/2012 season for South Africa, and of course, Darling. The vines are waking up after their winter sleep, and soon we will be in full motion, working hard to get the best quality grapes for 2012, and to get the best quality wines out in the market. This is a journey I enjoy so much every year. This is what makes me get up every morning.