The vineyard
Five blocks on one ridge, each with its own soil, slope and variety.
Five blocks
Each block is planted where its variety ripens best (sample).
Block A, Riesling
East slope, sandy loam over limestone
Planted 1992
1.2 ha
Block B, Chardonnay
Valley floor, deep clay loam
Planted 2004
1.6 ha
Block C, Syrah
Warm upper slope, broken limestone
Planted 1998
0.8 ha
Block D, Pinot noir
Cool lower slope, heavy clay
Planted 2011
1.1 ha
Block E, Cabernet franc
Gravel bench by the creek
Planted 2016
0.6 ha
What is happening in the vineyard
A vineyard changes every month. This is the year at Calder Ridge, and where we are in it now (sample).
Jan–Feb
Pruning
Each vine is cut back by hand to two canes. Quiet weeks at the cellar door.
April
Budbreak
The first green shoots. Frost nights mean early mornings for the vineyard team.
June
Flowering
Tiny flowers set the size of the crop. Evenings on the terrace begin.
August
Veraison
Red grapes turn from green to violet; we start tasting the berries.
Sept–Oct, now
Harvest
Picking by hand, block by block. Harvest weekends at the cellar door.
Book a table at the cellar door
Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 to 17:00 (sample). Walk-ins are welcome when there is room; weekends fill up in harvest season.