18/09/2026
The sun is shining, the breeze is warm, and the drinks are flowing. But spring may have arrived a little earlier than expected.
While we’re very happy to come out of hibernation, unusually warm weather can have some interesting effects on the vines that will eventually give us our next vintage.
A quick vineyard fact: winter is an important part of a grapevine’s natural cycle. Warmer, shorter winters can influence when vines begin to wake from dormancy, which can shift flowering and ripening later in the season. An earlier start to growth can also leave young shoots more exposed to spring frost, while changing weather patterns can influence water availability and disease pressure in the vineyard.
It’s one of the many reasons w**emaking is so closely tied to the seasons. What happens in the vineyard months before harvest can have a lasting influence on the grapes that make it into our glass.
So while we’re making the most of these sunny days, it’s worth remembering the growers and w**emakers navigating changing conditions every vintage.
In the meantime, one small way we can show our support is by seeking out local Australian and Kiwi producers, particularly those taking thoughtful approaches to farming and w**emaking.
If you’re looking for organic, minimal-intervention, sustainable, or simply small and growing producers, come and chat to the team at Union W**e Store. We’ll point you in the right direction.
Enjoy the sun. Enjoy the w**e. We’re lucky to have both 🍷
