Patrick Ferry, Geoff Wright and Josh Smith from Hydralada, Hawke’s Bay, with a new frost fan.
Picture by Paul Rickard
Gisborne winemaker Geoff Wright was on the money with his forecast this week, bringing in a frost fan to protect this year’s grapes.
“Our Ormond Valley vineyard is known as the Grand Cru appellation of Gisborne. This location produces exceptional grapes and has a much higher risk of late frosts compared
to other appellations in Gisborne,” Mr Wright said on Monday.
“With the effects of the weather during the last two vintages and losing our 2023 crop to a polar blast in October last year, we cannot afford the risk of losing another crop.
“Hydralada from Hawke’s Bay produces a frost fan unit under the brand Tow and Blow. After extensive research and a demonstration after Monday’s frost in Gisborne, we have decided to take the plunge to mitigate these frosts on our Ormond Valley vineyard.”
Mr Wright had considered launching a crowdfunding campaign to buy the unit.
