Week 3

We're halfway through a three day weekend here and tonight I'm taking it easy, so I thought I'd post an update while I'm relaxing.

The weather has still been a little odd and we got a bit more rain this week, so still no harvesting of grapes. We actually have been getting a good amount of time out in the vineyard to check for Botrytis (a fungus that can grow on the berries when there's been rain) and look at the overall maturity of the grapes. They're at the point that most wineries both in the states and in Australia would pick at, but Mollydooker gives them a longer period to develop, which is why the wines are such massive fruit bombs. Here's a shot of some of the Shiraz that we're growing on property:

Other than that, there's been a little bit of blending work and barrel maintenance, and a lot of general cleaning. I found out that when harvest picks up, it's likely I'm going to be stationed at the crush pad for most of the time. The crush pad is one of the better spots because you get to be the first ones to see and taste the fruit coming in and because there's plenty of work to keep you occupied, so I'm happy about being being placed there. Here's my roommate, Chris, and one of the full-timers, Chris Player, cleaning out one of the bins of the crusher:

Other than work, it's been more beaches, barbecues, and wine. Can't say I'm sick of yet. Yesterday we were out at Sellick's Beach and it was a perfect day with clear skies. We played some Aussie Rules Football, I learned how to play cricket (kind of), and went for a swim. One of my co-workers, Sam, lives right by Sellick's Beach, so everyone went back to his place for a party last night, hence why I'm taking it easy tonight. Here's a few shots from the beach:

Anyway, tomorrow is the Adelaide Cup, a big horse race that we're going to. It's actually a public holiday for the race, which I think is ridiculous but awesome. I'm planning on winning big at the races, so wish me luck.