Wine making

We are wine making in France. Pumpjack is a trained Oenologist, or Oenologue if you are in France. He makes wine. The perfect man. We’ve moved to France as he wants to make wine here. Follow our journey from trying to buy a vineyard to renting instead. From growing grapes to making wine.

Winter in the Vineyard with Pumpjack Piddlewick

When we think of vineyards we most likely think of autumn and the harvesting of grapes, the making of the wine. That is the busiest time of year for both the vineyard and the winery, but it’s just the culmination. Whereas winter in the vineyard is possibly the most importantRead More →

The Fete de Vendange is the celebration of the end of the grape harvest here in France - PumpjackPiddlewick

October, or at least some time in October, signals the end of grape harvest (Vendange) here in France. Depending on how early, or late, the harvest began will determine how early or late in autumn it comes to a conclusion. But ultimately, October signals it’s time for the Fete deRead More →

The vendage is what France calls the grape harvest that makes wines. Join in at Pumpjack & Piddlewick

A few years ago, due to a bad experience, I said, ‘never again’. And there is a saying ‘never say never again’. How very true. Fast forward to now and I find myself once again undertaking The Vendange. The vendange is a French term for the grape harvest here inRead More →

when to harvest the grapes is a tricky thing to decide - let's delve at PumpjackPiddlewick

As we head into August, it’s time to start testing the grapes in earnest to determine and decide when grapes might be ready to be picked. But how do you know when to harvest the grapes?  There are a number of factors, and various tests. On a simplistic level, it’sRead More →