How good are you at packing? I love going away but loathe the packing process with a passion. It seems no matter what, that I will always overpack, take the wrong clothes, or leave something behind.
My carry on was stuffed with devices, cords, chargers, camera and lens – it weighed a lot more than the 7kg allowance. I felt guilty.
Monday in Marlborough was overcast which was such a shame as we were shooting our segment for a new series on NZ television called Thirsty Work – presented by the vivacious Yvonne Lorkin. A fun day nonetheless .. it’s always enjoyable talking wine.
The weather on the Tuesday was sublime .. which was spent checking vineyards, grapes and preparing for harvest which was due to start at Loddon Lane the next day.
I adore this vineyard which is located in the Wairau Valley in Marlborough with gorgeous views of Mt Fishtail. It is a spectacular vineyard, grows only sauvignon blanc, and is a photographer’s delight positioned next to the Wairau River.
Given the volumes of recent rain the vineyard was verdant green and showing off in the autumn sunshine.
Harvest for me means lugging my camera gear around the vineyard, avoiding the harvesters which are chugging up and down rows, while looking for the perfect shot. I think I ate my fair share of grapes, managed to get juice over my camera and lens and then wondered why some pictures looked blurry.
Vineyards at harvest time are busy. Clock watching, waiting for trucks, conferring with people, some nail biting and the general logistics associated with the gathering of those grapes – an important time in the Toi Toi year.
The 2016 vintage was huge and Loddon surprised us with its tonnage. We left just after sunset leaving the night shift to our winemaker Chris – who is adept at making a fine Sauv Blanc and a great bloke into the bargain.
I repacked my bag on the Thursday morning nothing had changed it was still overpacked and cumbersome, time to head back to Auckland and leave the boys to the harvest. Brookdale Vineyard in the Omaka Valley was booked in for Friday.
There is loads to do in our garden. I have seedlings absolutely busting to be planted, summer beds to clear and boost with organic material and loads of TLC, garlic to plant (I’m always early), pruning to finish and a keen eye watching those olives it’s not long to go before we will be harvesting them either.
Happy gardening
That is a massive machine. I think people pick grapes by hand in our neighborhood. But then the vineyards are small in comparison. Great photos.
Yes it is a big machine .. the majority of harvesting in Marlborough is done by machine. But hand picking is still done. Glad you like the photos Tim!
Great images of the harvest, glad it was a good one 😀 We are still so dry here, as harvest was so early I’m still doing small irrigations!
Hey Lisa … it certainly was a good harvest. Just finishing for us now. Marlborough was incredibly dry – but we had a lot rain just before harvest. I miss your gorgeous images 😀
A bumper harvest and some great shots. And another area to add to my tour of the south Island. What a stunning couple you two are! I have never been to a machine picked harvest – some of the smaller vineyards around the Yarra Valley still hand pick. I’ve been to a few and it’s exhausting, those these days, the Cambodians are employed to pick ( and prune) each year. They go from vineyard to vineyard in groups. Can’t get over how green things are in New Zealand. Australians need to view this colour through polaroids- we rarely see it.
Hey Miss .. always good to see you here. You will have to visit Marlborough another time you would adore the Marlborough Sounds. Machine harvesting is much quicker than hand picking. And no matter what, it is such a tiring day. It had rained cats and dogs in Marlborough just before harvest hence being so green. But it sure was a dry summer down there. Not long until your trip F 😀
Your photography is just outstanding! I enjoyed viewing the grape harvesting process…so much faster than by hand and it doesn’t seem to ruin the vines either.
Beautiful rich colors!
Linda
Yes it is a lot faster than by hand with no damage to the vines. So pleased that you enjoyed the photography Linda .. I just love getting down there at harvest time.
I did! Every part of farming I find fascinating!
I had to read twice about the part about eating grapes xP Curiously that was a dream of kid, to go to a vineyard and eat tons of grapes, but… now although I love grapes I enjoyed more seeing across your eyes ^-^
I love the contrast between the force and energy in the vineyard with the peace in the last photographs. Thank you very much Julie. I hope packing can get light to the next time, I am looking for a lighter laptop myself.
Hi Francis I don’t think I will ever pack lightly – I’m hopeless. And each time I go down for harvest, I do eat loads of grapes, I’m surprised I don’t make myself sick 😀 So pleased you enjoyed your visit. I always enjoy heading over your way!
Your last photo is absolutely beautiful. Reminds me of the warm breezes of summer.
I’m so pleased that you like that photo. I do too! Funny the day that I shot that was bleak and chilly but I can well imagine the grass nodding in the breeze on a fine warm day too 😀 Great to see you here
Lovely photos and an insight into how large vineyards are harvested. Am I correct that you own these operations? If so, does your wine make it to Canada?
Glad you enjoyed the photos! Yes we are shareholders in the vineyards. And yes we will be selling in Canada in the LCBO stores from July. Look out for our Sauvignon Blanc then 😀
I’m a long way from an LCBO but will suggest that my daughter look for your wine,
Is this yours? If so I’m going to pick up a few bottles tomorrow!
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc – $26.99 *Wine Festival Feature
Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough
Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2015
Alc./ vol.: 13.5%
SC: 00
The Stoneleigh Latitude range heralds from an area in Marlborough known as the ‘Golden Mile’. This ‘Golden Mile’ is a fertile strip of land covered with ancient river stones and is highly regarded for its outstanding grape-growing conditions. The resulting wines are aromatically lifted, as well as riper in spectrum, a result of higher concentration of the stones in the area and the effect these have on the vines. Aromas of lime, grapefruit and gooseberry. Lots of citrus on the palate, very refreshing on a warm summer day. Try with seafood or even some vegetarian dishes.
Fascinating Julie! I loved all the images but the last three are wonderfully serene!
Hey Meg … I’m so pleased you liked those three last images, I did too! The light was just beautiful. Now if only I could do with them what you do with yours. 😀
A beautiful series of harvest photos, Julie!
Thanks Lavinia .. nice to see you at Frog Pond 😀
Love the story, love the images!
Hey Merilee … glad that you loved the images, that means a lot! 😀 I just have to start shooting in B&W or at least editing.
Is this your vineyard? How cool!
Hey Miss … yes we are shareholders in this vineyard. Such a beautiful spot
That’s awesome!
Oh my goodness what an undertaking. Wow, I often think about owning a small vineyard but then come face to face with the thought of building a relationship with huge harvesting machines and all sorts of wine making equipment. Whoa Nellie. Actually, I did talk to mom about a small vineyard for sale not too long ago and not too far away for $3 million. (Mom was like, “At my age?”) 🙁 But then a couple weeks ago I did go look at 5 acres with a small vineyard for $2 million (more sort of the price my house would be sold for here in this crazy, over-priced city). That one I really did consider. (sigh) One day I will own more land and an organic farm. Oh, good news! Remember the great, huge and old vine which produces the most delicious green grapes in the world, which was going to fall victim to the bulldozer next door and Chloe had the bulldozer guy lift it out of the ground and over the fence and planted it up against the garage in my veggie garden? (whew, long question) Anyway, we thought it had two hopes, (Bob Hope and No Hope), and guess what? It has a couple buds!!!! I’m so happy and so proud of C for saving it . Now I just have to figure out how to prune, save, and recover a 100 yr old vine. How hard can THAT be? (don;t answer that…lol)
Hello V .. that is such great news about your vine! Good luck with that pruning though, I’ve never been good with grape vines. I could actually see you enjoying a small vineyard and taking loads of beautiful photos and doing lots of stunning paintings. xx
Very interested to see how the grapes are harvested.
I have a distinct dislike of packing, too!
Hi Helen, I don’t know what it is about me and packing, but it is just a disaster each and every time I go away (unless it is for a night – then I’m safe) 😀 Glad you found the post interesting
It was indeed. And as others have said, great photography.
Hi to you both. What great shots they really tell the story of how to run and harvest the grapes. I haven’t been to that vineyard but was lucky to see the other one in Wanika, how’s the harvest going there?
The harvest on Frog Pond still goes on I see,still plenty of fruit. The crab apples looked good and plenty,how’s the jelly coming on,did you get more muslin? Still can’t do to much here in the garden as even last night there was frost,so apart from tidying up have to wait to plant out. Hope the olives are plentiful and you get some good olive oil. Then when I return I will have an abundance of garlic and oil to use on my pork belly dish(it needs so much garlic so plant plenty! ) Any way Julie happy planting weeding and feeding those veg beds. Lots love to you both Bill xxx
Hello Bill. No you haven’t been to Loddon, but you would love it. Such a beautiful spot. Clutha is harvested but I believe there are some other vineyards still to go. I’m doing more crabapples today, Shirley gave me a roll of muslim. Yay! No garlic for the pork belly – sorry!!! Much to do in the garden. Big hugs your way
No garlic well Farro here I come! Bought some Isle of White garlic bulbs yesterday will plant them today,and no you can’t have any! Good luck with the jelly lots love Bill xxx
You are funny .. 😊 more news on that jelly soon!
Great pics of the harvest!! And great vine yards, too 🙂
We are looking for our grapes, but it will take some months!
Happy gardening!
Thank you! The birds got our grapes at home. Shame. Happy gardening to you too
Hahaha, the same at my home 😉
Nice place !
Thank you – Marlborough is beautiful and the Marlborough Sounds are just heavenly as a holiday spot. Thanks for stopping by
Stunning photos Julie, the South Island is just gorgeous isn’t it? Can’t wait to visit you very soon and see your amazing garden xx
Hi Sue … the South Island never ceases to amaze me. It is just stunning. So much to see – a photographer’s paradise. You know you must get here don’t you? Can’t wait to show you around – although the garden is looking so tired now. Big hugs
Wonderful photoessay, Julie. Lovely photography.
It always amazes me how a 60kg person can have a 7kg carry on luggage allowance, the same as a 150kg person. I’d like to argue that one day, next time they catch me carrying my overweight carry on luggage on board. 🙂
Mr Draco … thank you so much. So pleased that you enjoyed. Each time I board a plane with my bag, I hold my breath. Never know what I would do if they stopped me. Mind you, I’m only just over 😀 Great to see you here
Gorgeous photos ( as always! =) ) wow wow wow
Hello Miss … And I’m glad you think so. Lots of wows back at you for your blog btw! 😀
Hi Julie, wonderful photos. It looks like an incredible place with brilliant shades of green, blue and gold. The grapes look lovely. You still have plenty of work ahead of you though. Now the grapes have been harvested, you and Andrew will have to roll up your pant legs and start stomping. And don’t try to tell me you have never done that before! 🙂 Take care! Bob
Hey Bob … it isn’t usually this green at this time of year and the day was gorgeous. Bright blue skies and rolling gold & pink hues at the end of the day. The grapes looked and tasted divine. You are so right, the fun is just beginning. Guess what? I have never stomped grapes! LOL 😀 Always enjoy seeing you at Frog Pond Mr E. Take care
If what you say is true (and I’m not sure I believe it 🙂 ) it’s about high time you crush some grapes. That’s got to be as far away from high heels as you can get! Always enjoy my visit to Frog Pond!
It’s true! I would never tell you porkies .. Lol glad you enjoy your visit!
Our luggage limit went way over when we returned from our holiday in UK weighed down with bottles of wine that a friend gave us when we visited his vineyard near Blenheim. Fabulous colours in your photos and always good to see such great pictures of harvest.
Hey Anne It is so easy to exceed the limit – especially if you are taking bottles of wine! 😀 Did his vineyard have a name Anne? Glad you like the photos – I love getting out at harvest time.
Gus Cameron – his wine was The Sunday Paddock but not sure if he’s still independently producing.
What a great name! 😀
Fabulous and heart warming to see your amazing photos Julie and how interesting. You two are as full on as usual. Love to you and Andrew.
Hey Jenny always lovely to see you here and thank for your wonderful comment. I will send on your love … and lots of it back from us too! Hugs
Julie, what stunning scenery and I have never seen a “wine harvester” before – the only ones I am familiar with have two hands and two feet and tend to be dribbling grape juice out of the side of their mouths. I can relate on the packing and particularly the weight of carry-on luggage – its where the camera gear goes if I am taking it. Am much practised in throwing it cheerfully over my shoulder as if it contained nothing but feathers only to collapse once past the gate desk…Happy traveling and I see you have gone away to allow the eggs to accumulate to make a heartier breakfast. Good thinking 😉🐣🍀
I laughed when I read your comment MM – I too make out that my bag is as light as a feather. Quite the opposite when I try and stuff it into the locker on the plane. Ah so you haven’t seen a harvester before .. big aren’t they? The view from one of these is fabulous .. and the smell of those grapes. Eggs .. lucky to be getting one a day at the mo! Shame on them ..
Such marvellous pics and wow, I didn’t know you’re on television too – you’re as marvellous as your pics, Julie! NZ Sauvignon blanc is as you know my favourite wine but I can only get Matua Valley here…better than nothing I reckon. 😉
Hello Annette .. thank you! Lovely to see you here .. and thank you for your glowing comment. Matua Vineyard is about 10 minutes from where we live in Auckland. I’m rather partial to Sauv Blanc too 😀
Woww… a very interesting report about the grape harvest and excellent photos! 🙂
Hi Josephine … thank you! One of my favourite times of year .. with the camera of course 😀
These are beautiful photos, Julie! Thank you for the wonderful tour of the vineyard. We love Australian wine. Packing for travel is always a struggle, say the least. 🙂
Happy travel!
Hey Amy … gosh I hope you love New Zealand wine too 😉 Australia do big rich red wines – delicious! What is it about packing? Thanks for stopping by
I just asked my husband, he said he likes NZ wine. 🙂 I thought you were talking about packing for your trip.
Oh no I was talking about packing … 😊 We live in Auckland and have to fly to Marlborough for harvest. Glad your hubby likes NZ wine ..
I thank you for letting me know that there is a Malborough town in NZ. I am taking a short break in Auckland soon and wonder if I will make it there. Great photos of vineyards. 😊
Marlborough is a great spot – the Marlborough Sounds are a tourist destination and just beautiful to visit. Especially if you like fishing and beautiful scenery. The South Island of NZ is so worth visiting. Glad you liked the pics … 🙂
Next trip next year South Island…😊
😃
simply amazing and an excellent documentary 🙂
Thank you Joshi … good to see you here as always 😀
Now that’s a harvester! Your shot shows great perspective of its size. What beautiful scenery.
Hey Patti … standing at the end of the row they sure are impressive. So pleased you enjoyed the scenery. Marlborough is a special place ..
Beautiful photos of a beautiful place, thank you for sharing.
Oh thank you so much 😀 A lovely comment and greatly appreciated …
When we traveled to NZ I had to deal with all the cords, chargers, etc., that you mentioned, plus a heap of adapters to fit American plugs to your sockets. I accidentally packed the wrong charger for my camera’s battery and had to spend a bunch of money to buy a universal charger for Canon batteries in Auckland.
Hey Steve .. sounds like we have a lot in common. We did something similar when traveling to the UK a few years back. Really annoying 😀
Happy Harvesting ❤
Sabrina – http://www.OrganicIsBeautiful.com
Thanks Sabrina .. always fun harvesting 🙂
Absolutely beautiful country that you captured Julie…lovely photos. Very interesting to see the harvest, thank you for sharing it with us. Those vineyards will certainly produce some wonderful Sauvignon Blanc which I love.
Hello Karen .. glad you like the photos. Harvest time is always busy! Ah a lover of Sauv Blanc .. me too 😀 Thanks for stopping by
Thanks for the tour. I can see it’s busy, but what a wonderful time of year. So good that the crop produced well this year and yes, Wow! Verdant green.
Stunning pics as always. You really have a great eye and such beautiful scenery in NZ. We are so brown and dry again over here 😳
Another fantastic post Jules xx
Hey Robyn … oh thank you! Love sharing NZ – we are so lucky. And it was surprisingly green down south. Good to take you on the tour with me 😀
😃😃
Lovely post. Great photos – especially the view of all the grapes spilling out. Reminds me that I once spent a season grape picking in France – tough work, good food, lashings of wine (if you could handle it for breakfast) and interesting locals – wish I’d been into photography then 🙂
Thank you! I love the pic of the grapes spilling out too. I was very happy when I spotted it later. Ow, that would have been fun picking in France. Not sure about the wine for breakfast though. 😉 How I wish I had been into photography years back too, what fun it would have been.
Julie what a beautiful area and captures. I can see why you love it. Happy gardening.
Kath
Hey Kath … thank you 😀 and yes you are right – I do love it, especially when I’m toting that camera …
Wow. This looks nice. And you look happy!
Hey Rajiv .. I was happy. I love harvest and getting out there with my camera. I also eat my fair share of grapes! LOL
Ah! Lucky you!
Is this yours?
Stoneleigh Latitude Sauvignon Blanc – $26.99 *Wine Festival Feature
Country: New Zealand
Region: Marlborough
Varietals: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2015
Alc./ vol.: 13.5%
SC: 00
The Stoneleigh Latitude range heralds from an area in Marlborough known as the ‘Golden Mile’. This ‘Golden Mile’ is a fertile strip of land covered with ancient river stones and is highly regarded for its outstanding grape-growing conditions. The resulting wines are aromatically lifted, as well as riper in spectrum, a result of higher concentration of the stones in the area and the effect these have on the vines. Aromas of lime, grapefruit and gooseberry. Lots of citrus on the palate, very refreshing on a warm summer day. Try with seafood or even some vegetarian dishes.
Hi, no we are Toi Toi wines. We have a Sauvignon Blanc too which is also from Marlborough. Hope you manage to find a bottle or 2. 😃
As you suggested, maybe in Ontario. But when I saw this I got excited.
Such beautiful light Julie ❤️ smiles Hedy 💫☺️
Thanks Hedy 😊smiles to you my friend ❤️