Andy Johnston
Andy Johnston with his wrapped pinot noir and merlot grapes.
Growing reds in Vancouver Island’s cool climate is an ongoing challenge. At Averill Creek Vineyard Andy Johnston is stretching the season by wrapping his pinot noir and merlot grapes with plastic to promote bud break and create a greenhouse warming effect.
Johnston adopted the innovation from Roger Dosman at Alderlea Vineyard, and has been happy with the results.
“We started the tenting and wrapping program in 2006,” says Johnston. “In 2011, there really weren’t enough heat units to ripen fruit, but we still make a beautiful pinot. That proved the importance of the technique, so even in really bad years we can make good red wine.”