Notes from the Vineyard - May 2026
May delivered one of the driest starts to the growing season we've experienced for some time, with just 30% of the average monthly rainfall. Early in the month, persistent easterly winds brought colder conditions that checked growth across the vineyard, before the weather transformed into one of the warmest half-term weeks we can remember.
The vines certainly noticed the changing conditions. While the cold winds slowed early shoot growth, warmer temperatures later in the month saw the vineyard respond quickly. Of course, the vines weren't the only things growing. Grass and weeds also took full advantage of the sunshine, creating plenty of work around the estate.
Fortunately, our feathered workforce is continuing to expand. Many of our geese spent much of May sitting patiently on nests throughout the vineyard and orchard, meaning they were temporarily less available for mowing duties. However, we successfully raised more than seventy goslings and ducklings, all of which will soon join the free-ranging flock. As they are released across the estate during June, they'll play an important role in naturally managing grass growth, fertilising the land and helping to control pests, allowing us to continue caring for the vineyard without chemical inputs.
Away from the vineyard itself, May marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter as we cautiously opened the Cider Barn for wine tastings, alongside serving coffees, lunches and afternoon teas when the property wasn't occupied by self-catering guests. It has been wonderful to welcome so many visitors through the doors, and we've been delighted by the encouraging feedback for both the experience and our first small-batch wines.
Behind the scenes, another significant milestone has also been reached. After many months of development, the final label designs for our first vintage have now been completed. With bottling and finishing touches continuing, we're looking forward to opening our online shop very soon, where our followers will have the opportunity to purchase these limited-production wines, along with a few introductory offers to celebrate their release.
As spring gives way to summer, the vineyard is becoming busier with every passing week. The vines are flourishing, the young birds are growing quickly, and it is a pleasure to see visitors beginning to enjoy everything that Saints Way Wines has been quietly working towards over the past few years.
From all of us at Saints Way Wines