I swore I would never work in a cellar again after a terrible vintage experience in Australia in 2006. Rose-tinted glasses firmly on, I’ve agreed to do a week’s work at Jackson Estate in Marlborough
Ominously the booking reference code for my flight to Marlborough read “HEL†– the omens could have been better.
Luckily Jackson’s winemaker and the cellar boys have eased me in gently today. I’ve plunged a few tanks of Pinot Noir: a great workout for both arms and shoulders. The only downside was wearing the safety harness to prevent any falls into the open vats – it’s remarkably similar to wearing a baby bouncer. Not a great look but it gave the American cellar hand a good laugh.
However, I have managed to redeem myself by borrowing a rather fetching pair of leopard print wellies from the owners of Jackson. Who said cellar work can’t be glamorous?
The day started off at 7 a.m. in the vineyards with their band of Thai pickers. It was a warm and sunny morning but the Thai team were rugged up for all eventualities with balaclavas, gilets and hats. Nevertheless they picked at an impressive clip and we were putting the fruit into the destemmer (and grape juice in my eyes – nasty stuff) and off to the tank within hours.
For the next week, I’ll be reporting every day from Jackson, giving you the inside track on the 2010 vintage and the latest happenings in Marlborough with interviews and videos.
NB: This blog can also be read at Harpers throughout the week
