At last. A really hot few days to complete the fruit set of the vines at the bottom of the slope (above), the coolest part of the vineyard. All set now and looks quite good despite a cool start to flowering. Just a smidgeon on the late side, so we’re probably going to be picking Madeleine Angevine the last weekend of September and the Kernling probably the last weekend in October.

On 12th July it was up to London - a good day at the Vintners Hall meeting old mates. Here’s Yours truly collecting our three Silver Medal certificates from SWVA Chair Sam Lindo of Camel Valley, and also Iain and me in front of the Vintners’ awesome silverware.

We’ve just released our Barrel Matured 2014 and Elizabeth’s 2015 on the strength of their Silver Medals. They’d been maturing in the cellar till we thought they were ready. And yesss! They’re flying off the shelves! New label for the limited edition Barrel, and no capsule. What do you think? On Elizabeth’s ’15, which is a blend of both our 2015 varietals, you can choose a black or the traditional cream label, like for the Jane’s 14. Details on our online sales page here>>.

Job of the moment is transforming the vineyard from June’s wild and natural profusion of grasses to necessary summer kempt-ness. All mown but still finishing off strimming the long grass under the vines. Brilliant new strimmer  - 36 volt cordless Black and Decker. Lasts much longer, gives it more wellie and recharges in a couple of hours. Battery technology’s come on such a lot. And the tops of the vines - now a couple of feet over the top wire - are getting choped as we clip the wires into their final position. Got the top Madeleine block done last weekend with younger Awties Ned and Paula. Half way along the bottom. Still the unruly top Kernling to tackle.

Great to see Julia with her family earlier this week. Long term readers will remember Julia came from Sweden to help in the vineyard in the summers of 2012 and 2013. Julia’s mum, Matilda, came to help thirty years earlier when the vines were newly planted. We all met up at the Hive Beach cafe in Burton Bradstock during their family trip to Dorset.

Meanwhile Our visit vouchers are flying home to roost, bringing  lovely new Oatley visitors. We’re SO busy doing tours and tastings at the weekends and sometimes booked visits in the week. Below are pics of a brilliant birthday picnic party here in the sunshine today.