Vinoculation

Through Paul Bowater, a mutual friend of David and I, we were both driving to a small vineyard on a lifestyle block out in Springston, south of Christchurch. We had spoken to Ken Bryan on the phone, who with his wife Pam were the owners of this property on Bethels Road, having acquired it in early 2006. Ken reiterated their need for someone to help out with the vines; David and I giggling like schoolgirls at the exciting nature of such a prospect.

 We arrive at Bethels Road, scout out the vineyard (acting super professional, of course), make some very techo comments as one does (within earshot of the land owners), then had a relaxed chat to Pam and Ken. We agreed to tend the vineyard and make the wine, as long as we went halves in the resultant product; assuming it would be drinkable. The terms were accepted and we embarked on an adventure that I will never forget. Our first vintage.

Ken passed away a fortnight ago, having finally lost his battle against cancer. He was very young, in high spirits and a gentle and very generous man based on the time I knew him which no doubt reflects on his lifetime character. The pinor noir and chardonnay from the Bethels Road vineyard will now hold an extra degree of sentimentality, which is/was drinkable, incidentally. My deepest sympathy goes out to Pam and the family.