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At Nepenthe, the changing seasons in the vineyard signal the start of another chapter in our winemaking journey. This year, the Adelaide Hills vineyards have experienced an early budburst and flowering season, setting the stage for what promises to be an exciting vintage.
Budburst in the Adelaide Hills arrived earlier this year, marking a significant shift compared to the past five years. According to our viticulturist, Spiro Papadopoulos, this was driven by the dry weather at the tail end of winter and the start of spring, which elevated soil temperatures above average.
“With August’s air temperatures around 2°C higher than normal, and soil moisture levels lower due to below-average rainfall, we saw an early budburst in most of our varieties,” says Spiro. “Some of our early varieties are already reaching the 3–5 leaf stage, a full 1–2 weeks ahead of usual timing.”
This early start reflects the dynamic climate conditions of the Adelaide Hills, a region renowned for its cool-climate wines.
While the initial vine growth after budburst was slower due to cooler conditions, the onset of flowering brought a welcome change. Warmer days and mild nights provided ideal conditions, allowing fruit set to flourish.
“The fruit set has been very satisfactory so far,” Spiro explains. “We’re seeing plenty of berries with minimal shatter, which should lead to full bunches and a strong vintage. Flowering has progressed relatively quickly, another indication that we might be heading towards an earlier harvest compared to recent years.”
These seasonal patterns highlight the intricate relationship between climate and viticulture in the Adelaide Hills. Nepenthe’s vineyards thrive in this unique environment, benefiting from cool temperatures, well-drained soils, and expert vineyard management.
At Nepenthe, our commitment to sustainable practices ensures we respond to these shifts responsibly, working with the land to produce wines that reflect the true character of the region.
An early start to the growing season could result in a more compact vintage, but it’s still too soon to make firm predictions. The focus now shifts to nurturing the vines through the critical ripening period to ensure the fruit develops the balance and complexity Nepenthe wines are known for.
As we monitor the vineyards and adapt to the season’s nuances, one thing remains constant: our passion for creating premium wines that showcase the best of the Adelaide Hills.
Keep following Nepenthe for updates as the growing season unfolds and we edge closer to the 2025 harvest. Whether it’s in the vineyard or the cellar, every step of our journey is about crafting exceptional wines for you to enjoy.
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