Harvest time at Marlbank Vineyard: picking grapes and having fun

As the days shorten and the summer season marches into autumn, here we are preparing for the most exciting time of the year: the harvest season. 

Since February, when Jeremy carefully pruned each vine, he has been hard at work tending to the vineyard with dedication and care. With secateurs in hand, he ensures the vines are healthy and thriving. Now, as the grapes have reached their peak, the moment we have all been waiting for has finally arrived.

Harvest at Marlbank is more than just picking grapes; this year, twenty members of Marlbank's friends and family offered their time and energy to be part of the team that picked our Pinot Noir grapes, which will be transformed into our limited-edition Blanc de Noirs, ready to taste in 2026.

One of the many challenges in the final weeks before harvest is the threat of fruit flies, the Spotted Wing Drosophila. These tricky insects puncture the grapes to lay their eggs, and as the larvae hatch, they consume the grapes from the inside out, compromising the quality of the grapes and leaving the vine vulnerable to disease. To fight the flies, Jeremy installed traps throughout the vineyard to detect any early signs of infestation, and by closely monitoring the traps, he can take quick measures if they show up. 

In addition to the fruit flies, Jeremy was also on the lookout for botrytis, also known as grey mould; once it takes root in a grape, it can quickly spread throughout the bunch and cause it to rot. He regularly checked the vineyard, searching for any signs of mould so they could be caught early and treated.  

On the Marlbank farmland, we have seen close to 50 different bird species. During the harvest season, we face the additional challenge of protecting our grapes from these feathered visitors, particularly starlings, pigeons, and pheasants. To deter them, Jeremy has set up scarecrows around the vineyard to keep them away from our delicious grapes.

The most exciting part of the final weeks is the close monitoring of sugar levels in the grapes. Jeremy uses a refractometer to measure the sugar levels in the grapes to determine the optimal time for picking. This measurement tells us that the grapes have developed the right balance of sugar and acidity, which is important for sparkling white wine.  

Do not miss the opportunity to connect with nature and fellow wine lovers. Sign up to join the 'Family and Friends of Marlbank' and be a part of the Journey.