Spring has arrived in the Bay of Islands, bringing new energy and fresh growth across The Landing vineyard. After the quiet months of winter dormancy, the vines are beginning to awaken, marking the start of the 2027 growing season and another journey towards harvest.
Budburst Signals the Beginning of a New Vintage
One of the most anticipated moments in the vineyard calendar is now underway: budburst. Tiny buds that have rested through winter are opening to reveal fresh green shoots, bringing the vineyard back to life and setting the foundation for the 2027 vintage.
While the vineyard may appear calm from a distance, this is a busy and important period for Tereza and the viticulture team. Each vine is carefully monitored as new shoots emerge, allowing us to assess vine health, growth uniformity and overall vineyard balance. Decisions made during the early stages of the season can have a significant impact on fruit quality later in the year, making spring one of the most critical times in the vineyard.
As temperatures begin to rise and daylight hours lengthen, the vines draw on stored energy from the previous season to support this first phase of growth. The weeks ahead will see rapid development as the vineyard moves towards flowering and fruit set, each stage bringing the 2027 harvest a little closer.
Cover Crops and Vineyard Biodiversity
Spring is also when the benefits of our cover cropping programme become particularly visible. Between the vineyard rows, a diverse mix of carefully selected cover crops is emerging, adding seasonal colour while delivering important environmental benefits.
These plantings are an integral part of our approach to sustainable viticulture. Cover crops help improve soil structure, increase organic matter and support soil moisture retention. Their root systems encourage healthy microbial activity beneath the surface, contributing to long-term soil health and vineyard resilience.
Just as importantly, the flowering plants attract a wide range of beneficial insects, helping to create a balanced ecosystem within the vineyard. Encouraging biodiversity reduces the need for intervention while supporting a healthier growing environment for both vines and wildlife.
Throughout spring, these vibrant rows transform the landscape, creating a striking contrast against the emerging green vine growth and reflecting our commitment to caring for the land for future generations.
Looking Ahead
With budburst now underway and the vineyard full of new life, the 2027 growing season is officially in motion. There is still a long journey ahead before the grapes reach harvest, but the early signs are encouraging.
Over the coming months, our vineyard team will continue to nurture the vines through each stage of development, with the goal of producing fruit that reflects the character of The Landing and the unique conditions of our Bay of Islands home.
Spring is always a season of optimism in the vineyard, and we look forward to sharing the journey of the 2027 vintage as it unfolds.