This years harvest was late starting as we did not have the sun when we expected to ripen the grapes, this in turn meant that sugar levels are slightly lower than usual and acidity levels some what higher.
Picking began on the 27th September with our Ortega, which was timed perfectly. Three and a half tonnes of Ortega was picked which will amount to around 20,000 bottles. We then moved on to the Bacchus and the Dornfelder.
The Schonburger and Scheurebe was the last of the grapes to be harvested on 28th October after hanging on in throughout some of the most challenging weather conditions we have seen this year, with gusts of winds up to 70mph!
Overall ‘this year we have had a well rounded crop and we are pleased with what we have in the tank.’ Tom Barnes
The apple harvest this year has been great – at Biddenden we use all Kentish apples in our ciders and apple juice – and the tanks have been filling up fast thanks to local producers.
However, commice pears have not been quite so easy to get hold of this year, therefore the demand for pears is strong, and the juice generally may be slightly sharper this year with a little tang!
