Friday, January 19, 2018

Leaf pluckers at Stonecrop vineyard




Our neighbor's sheep leaf-plucking, this practice was introduced to the Dry River Road region by Dr Andrew Harris, owner of Stonecrop vineyard. 
Sustainability in action, and a win win situation for both the farmer next door and our sustainable vineyard.

Leaf plucking is the removal of the leaves that surround the young grapes, this improves air flow which reduces the chance of disease and also improves exposure to sunlight.

Fortunately sheep will eat grapevine leaves but not the pea size grapes, they also do a better job than machines or humans, removing more internal leaves and are more gentle in doing so. 
#sustainable #vineyard #dryriver #sheep #grapevine #leaves #leafplucking #pioneer #healthyvines #grapes #sunlight #aircirculation #grazier #symbiotic

Know your #winegrower #winemaker  #welove #ewe #winwin