The new year kicked off with a bang, and it was all systems go with a vintage that was around 10 – 14 days earlier than usual due to the very warm and dry conditions. The September to December period was the driest in more than 10 years and has resulted in medium to small berries across all varietals. Expectations are for a good quality and healthy grape harvest although a bit smaller than initial indications due to the dry conditions, especially in the traditional dry land (no irrigation) growing regions. We were expecting our first grapes to already be picked on Monday 19 January with some Chardonnay for Poetry Chardonnay and soon thereafter Chenin Blanc for Tributary Chenin Blanc from our 39-year-old block in Wellington. In the cellar the team were flat out scrubbing the cellar from top to bottom. All tanks were deep cleaned, valves, fittings and cooling tested. All machinery had been serviced, and they were all getting cleaned thoroughly. We were also busy analysing, tasting, and topping our 2025 vintage wines which are still maturing. With the grapes more than a week earlier it was a matter of organised chaos mixed with excitement! The adrenalin was pumping and we were ready for 2026! When harvest starts there was no turning back and Mother nature does not wait for anyone.