Exsa achieves fourth and fifth place in the Hex River Valley table Grape block competition.
The annual 2012 Hex River Valley Table Grape block competition was held again this year during early February. On this occasion growers enter their most promising vineyards into the competition to be judged by a panel of independent grape production experts. This event that provides growers with the opportunity to show excellence in production methods and demonstrate optimum yields. The event encourages young growers and their managers both to exhibit excellence in production and provides a forum within which growers are able to share technical knowledge of the production process.
The event is a high point in the industry and community calendar. Besides the prestige of winning, there are usually great prizes to bag so the block competition is much anticipated and highly competitive.
This year Exsa growers won the fourth and fifth prizes. Fourth place was awarded to Michael Laubscher of Immanuel for a block of Crimson Seedless. This vineyard was planted in 2003 and the rootstock is Ramsay. “We work hard to make the vineyards look this good so we are very proud that this vineyard block received Fourth Place, “says Elizabeth Saulse, supervisor at Immanuel.
Fifth prize went to Pierre Joubert of Buffelskraal for a block of Thompson Seedless. The vineyard was planted in 2004 and also has Ramsay as a rootstock. ”I spend many a night on the tractor spraying crop protection chemicals so that these grapes can look as good as they do,” says Koos Olivier, tractor driver and spray operator at Buffelskraal.
Crimson Seedless block on Immanuel that won the fourth place.
Fourth place winner Michael Laubscher of Immanuel (left). With him are Thembile Malgas and Elizabeth Saulse, both supervisors at Imamuel.
The Thompson Seedless block at Buffelskraal that won fifth place.
From left to right: Japie Petoors, Team Leader, Alfred Sam, Team Leader and Packhouse Manager, Pierre Joubert , Owner and Koos Olivier, night shift spray operator.