New Zealand is famous for thriving bird populations- some native, others introduced by colonists over the last two centuries. These birds can decimate vineyards in a day if ripe fruit isn't netted. Wineries begin netting either just before veraison, or shortly after it has begun.
Last week, the South Island was just entering veraison and many vineyards sat exposed, or had just begun to net. In Martinborough (North Island) ripeness was a bit more apparent, red grapes had turned color and tasted sweet, and most vineyards had been netted.
Netting in progress on vines at Black Estate in Waipara.
At Fromm Winery (Marlborough) some of the riper vines were partially netted in the fruiting zones.
Netting hadn't quite begun yet in Central Otago. (Vines at Quartz Reef)
No nets yet at Rippon on Lake Wanaka (Central Otago).
But in Martinborough, ripening was well under way and nets were up!
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