I’m penning this from beautiful Broke Fordwich, where we have just started to get in to the thick of vintage 2024, and its looking to be a great year. A dry winter and warm temperatures towards the end of August, saw a slightly earlier budburst than usual. Ideal Spring conditions (albeit a little dry) ensued and has setup what is looking to be an incredible harvest. A dry, warm spring has limited yields by way of small bunches and berries. Whilst this makes for a lesser volume, it contributes to a higher quality of fruit, particularly for red varieties.

As usual, we have assembled a vintage team from far and wide, who are now on the field with us and kicking goals. Sholto returns for another vintage with the Margan crew, alongside a few new faces. Our winemaking team of Giaco and Dylan are holding things down in the winery as fruit starts coming in from all directions, thanks to Nic and Lucy’s amazing efforts out in the vineyards. Dad (Andrew), our original and best Margan winemaker, is still on the tools with his 28th Margan Vintage, and Mum still heads up the support crew. The entire team here are all contributing, and we can’t wait to share these new wines with you in the near future.

This week we’re on track to finish picking all the fruit onsite here at Ceres Hill. The whole Margan crew came together for our annual Team Picking Day, rolling up their sleeves, grabbing some secateurs and hand picking our Chardonnay and Semillon. Coffee and B&E rolls soothed the early morning start and some more exceptional quality fruit made its way into the winery.

We look forward to the next few weeks and bringing you a full debrief on this year’s vintage once the dust has settled. There are some great wines on the horizon.

• Ollie Margan