Wednesday 24 October 2012

Goats in the Grape Vines



My parents have gone home but while they were here we joined a local tour to the Selis Vineyard and Farm.  It's only 15 minutes drive from us but this was my first visit. I was hoping to pick up some tips on planting vines as we have about 5,000 square metres of land sitting empty and I fancy the idea of a few demijohns of home-brew bubbling in the workshop.   Sitting on the terrace at Selis, we could have been in Italy. The setting is impressive with about 150,000 sq. m planted with vines, olive trees, fruit trees and artichokes. They also have a herd of pure white goats and produce their own cheese.  As we walked up to the beautiful stone building that houses the winery and cellar, I was just about to ask the owner a few in depth questions about grapes varieties when we were overtaken by the goats.  A gate had been left open and these greedy beasts knew exactly where they were going. 



Straight for some impromptu vine pruning. 





A few stern words from the owner had the staff rounding up the errant animals



and eventually they were persuaded back into their paddock.



I'm none the wiser about viticulture but the trip was worth it just to watch the goats have such a fantastic time. 

22 comments:

  1. Hello:
    How splendid this post is if for no other reason, and there are, of course, plenty of others, than to see these images of the goats, neatly in line, devouring the vines. Wonderful!

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  2. Perfect... the photos are brilliant. J.

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    1. The goats were exceptionally pleased with themselves, especially the big billy.

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  3. And how cute are those goats,too?! Hope they didn't get into too much trouble...and hope they survive this next few days, too. ;)

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    1. I think these goats will be around for several years.

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  4. I love this. I haven't seen white goats here before...aren't they beautiful?

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    1. I'm wondering if they are Angora goats, their wool was very silky.

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  5. Not only did you and your folks have an enjoyable day but the 'white' goats sure did..... great photo's. Gave me a smile, to see the goats eating away at the vines. It's like they knew where to head straight for their snacks. E.

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    1. There was also a cow eating flowers, but she seemed to get away with it.

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  6. That photograph of the perfectly choreographed goats made my day.

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    1. It's a pity they don't smell as good as they look.

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  7. What little angels. Get those vines planted before the price of plonk goes up any further!

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    1. We must. Booze went up 25% again last month.

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  8. Wow! I love goats and have never seen pure white ones before, what a fabulous day out to experience and photograph them "at large".

    Stunning photography!

    Fantastic - thank you!

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    1. Thanks for dropping in. Glad you are still enjoying your epic trip.

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  9. What naughty, naughty goats, but oh so cute. How was their cheese?

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    1. The cheese was good(miş} I'm very keen on sheep's cheese but not over fond of goat's.

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  10. . . enjoyed this - having had a pair of these loveable little terrorists a few years back I wasn't sorry to give them away to a good home and get back to a quiet life!

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    1. Keeping goats must be a masochistic pleasure for gardeners. They seem keen to eat every thing green in the vicinity.

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  11. Hello, thanks for this posting. It's left me smiling. Goats, cats, no matter which animal we choose--especially the human animal--can teach us so much. But when they bring us laughter they gift us greatly. Peace.

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  12. LOL! I loved this, BtoB, and your photo capture it wonderfully. I especially like the second one of the goats, with the little kid at the back of the row desperately trying to get a look in. :-) I'v a very soft spot for goats and love their cheese.

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