VINEYARD FROST SERVICES

Spring frosts are a major concern for vineyard owners, especially when unseasonably warm weather triggers early bud development. Frost can damage tender green shoots which can have a devasting impact on yield.

Frost occurs in two main forms: radiation frost (which appears on calm, clear nights, when the ground loses heat, and cold air settles in lower areas, causing damage just before sunrise) and advection frost (when cold air is blown in by strong winds, with uniform temperatures across the region).

Common frost protection tools include frost candles, wind fans, and sprinklers. Newer innovations offer
alternative solutions, like the Frolight System which uses infrared technology to protect vines in temperatures as low as -6°C.

With over 18 years of experience managing vineyards,VineWorks can give you the best advice on how to keep your vines safe from frost.

HAND HARVESTING

Hand harvesting can facilitate high quality picking. Skilled and experienced picking teams can make real-time decisions about grape ripeness and condition, removing diseased or otherwise unacceptable berries in the field.

Hand harvesting also enables the selection of whole clusters, something frequently desired for making English Quality Sparkling Wine.

VineWorks employs and trains its own team of experienced vineyard labourers who work with us throughout the year.

As a licensed member of the Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA), Stronger Together, and the Association of Labour Providers (ALP), you can rest assured that you are dealing with an ethical supplier of labour.

MACHINE HARVESTING

Machine harvesting in vineyards has advanced significantly, offering high-quality fruit suitable for premium wine production.

Modern mechanical harvesters use sophisticated sensors and technology to handle grapes gently, preserving quality with intact berries.

Capable of picking up to 40 tonnes per day, these machines operate at speeds equivalent to 80 hand pickers and can deliver fruit to wineries earlier, allowing for faster processing. They also offer flexibility, including night operations and the ability to adapt to varying vineyard setups and weather conditions.

While not suitable for all vineyards, especially those with steep slopes or limited access, machine harvesting can be a cost-effective and efficient choice.

Learn about harvesting grapes

Discover expert tips about grape harvesting in our comprehensive advice articles, written by our team of seasoned viticulturists.