Sunday, September 08, 2013

Getting on the net.

I joke sometimes that I wish I could bird-net all of my vines at once.  Not having to worry about losing one, solitary grape to my feathered friends is a dream of mine.   I have seen whole vineyards (and orchards) netted, but only in books and on video (when I was taking my Vineyard Management class).  I just hadn't seen it in the flesh, or rather polypropylene, until today.
A vineyard, not too far from Vinoland, has been entirely covered in bird-netting: the owners/installers have even utilised a vineyard fan like one would the centre-pole of a circus big top. Wow!  It's pretty impressive to look at.  And it must have cost a pretty penny.   I seem to remember this particular vineyard was for sale a couple of years ago and I believe the parcel was just over ten acres.  I don't know exactly how much of that acreage is planted to grapevines, but I'm thinking that netting even just one acre would be quite an undertaking.  
Dream on Vinogirl.

4 comments:

New Hampshire Wineman said...

"Where there's a will. . ."

Vinogirl said...

NHW: ...And an empty bank account!

About Last Weekend said...

Stunning photo - I am reminded that Napa is still more beautiful and pristine than Sonoma.

Vinogirl said...

ALW: The wider, more open spaces in Napa tend to suggest a more 'manicured' approach to viticulture...both valleys are beautiful.