At Gusbourne, it’s also time for Jon, the Chief Vineyard Manager, to call the shepherds. The characterful flocks of Romney sheep – who graze their way through the Kent and Sussex vineyards each winter – must move back home. The vines’ tender buds and shoots are a too great a temptation for this perpetually hungry woolly workforce.
Jon’s grateful of course. The Romneys have played an important part in the vineyards’ yearly cycle. “The sheep reduce the abundance of some of the weeds underneath the vines, eating some, trampling others,” Jon explains. “Their delicate feet don’t compact the soil and delay the need for any tractors in the vineyard.” They’re generous too – returning the nutrients they take to the land. It’s a perfect relationship.
All is poised. Ready. As spring’s pulse quickens, the vines have their cue: in mid-April their buds begin to swell and grow before bursting into life. A haze of lime-zest green washes through the vineyard in a release of colour and life. Whatever else is happening in the world, nature never misses a beat.
Jon keeps a farmer’s eye on the forecast. Cool nights are to be expected, but he hopes the frosts are over. The tender buds are easily damaged.
