Spring in the Vineyard

Beautiful Vine Shoots

The vines started to bud mid March and leaves formed before the end of March. Around April 16 the growth slowed down with a few frosty mornings.

Sean has finished tying down the canes he kept when he pruned the vines – the bearers of this year’s harvest. They will give birth to new fruit. As the vine bud’s peak out, I always feel a sense of wonder. Their delicate shoots could be knocked off with the lightest touch or by a frosty morning.

We were nailbiting from 16 April to around 25 April with frosty mornings but luckily there is only a little damage. We are counting our blessings. After the losses in 2021 to frost, in 2022 to hail and in 2023 to mildew we couldnt bear another year of serious loss. Our hearts go out to the farmers who were not so fortunate with these frosts. We know how it feels and it is gutting.

We always have something to brighten our days -thanks to the nature that surrounds us and the incredible scenes across the Dordogne valley. You too could have this view if you book into the Wine Cottage (or the Wine Lodge) this season! 

In Spring our senses are overjoyed at yellow daffodils, birdsong, and bright greens dotted with playful ‘pâquerettes’, small white daisies, and delicate blossoms. We enjoy seasonal foods like nettles and asparagus. Then come the beautiful orchids bearing news of a healthy soil. 

See Caro’s instagram video and info about what the orchids indicate about soil health.

This is the time of growth and also when we bottle our new wines which we did on 26 April. We are so excited to launch this new range that includes two new wines.  Find them at Feely online boutique Feely Mille Fleurs,  Feely Vivacité Cabernet sauvignon AOP Bergerac Rouge dry red wine and  Feely Brut Rosé or via your club shipment or by ordering a taster case:  an easy way to get all the wines in a mixed case and is a fabulous gift for a wine lover-  Order Taster EU (including Ireland & Northern Ireland) order Taster UK or order Taster USA. 

See the digital summary of the wines in the taster case:feely-wines-and-pairing-notes-2024-website.If you would like some advice on what to choose for a special occasion let us know.

Explore French Wine Adventures for a wine tour or walking tour . Come and discover more with a visit to Chateau Feely in South West France ; stay with us or do a multi day course or multi day tour .

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