Category: Vineyard Management

Planting Vinifera at Mumana: Navigating Environmental Risks and Weather Uncertainty

Learn how Mumana Vineyards is navigating the environmental risks of planting vinifera grapes like Chardonnay and Riesling. Explore the impact of polar vortexes, the importance of choosing the right rootstock, and key strategies for protecting vines during their first critical years. Discover why vinifera is essential to Mumana’s future.

A New Beginning: Mumana Vineyard’s First Harvest Under New Ownership Is On

On September 9, 2024, Mumana Vineyards completed its first commercial harvest of Itasca grapes under new ownership. Despite the rainy weekend, the vineyard’s young vines produced excellent fruit, with high sugar levels and no signs of rot. This harvest marks a new chapter for Mumana, and we’re excited to share the journey of Kim and Chan’s first year at the helm.

The Stress of an Early Harvest: Weather, Timing, and Grape Readiness

As we prepare to harvest our Marquette grapes earlier than expected, the unpredictability of the weather has added a unique set of challenges. Rain threatens to dilute the sugars in the grapes and complicates crucial vineyard tasks like spraying and thinning. While our Marquette crop is smaller, the quality is excellent due to careful management to avoid overcropping. With rain forecasted through the weekend, we’re gearing up for a window of clearer skies on Monday to bring in this important harvest.

Managing Bird Pests at Mumana Vineyards: Essential Strategies for Protecting Our Grapes

At Mumana Vineyards, we cherish our connection to the natural world, but protecting our grapes from birds poses a challenge that requires thoughtful intervention. In Falmouth, near the Avon River, we contend with species like starlings, robins, and cedar waxwings, all of which have a keen appetite for our fruit. To preserve our harvest, we’ve […]

The Impact of the February 2023 Polar Vortex on Nova Scotia Vineyards and Mumana

In February 2023, a polar vortex severely impacted Nova Scotia vineyards, including Mumana (formerly Johnston Vineyards). The extreme cold devastated our Chardonnay vines, though a few survived. We’re now exploring strategies to help our vines recover and considering options to replace the lost Chardonnay with cold-hardy varieties or hybrids. Join the conversation and share your insights on protecting vines from harsh winters and building resilience in grape cultivation.

Tutorial: The Art & Science of Thinning – Why Dropping Grapes is Essential for Quality Wine

Thinning, or “dropping” clusters, is a vital vineyard management technique that balances the vine’s load. By removing some grape clusters, we allow the remaining grapes to develop more fully, delivering better ripeness, more concentrated flavours, and an overall higher quality harvest. This process also gives the vine the chance to focus its resources on fewer clusters, leading to healthier grapes with optimal sugar content and flavour profiles.