However, in spite of all the problems, the Seppelt Great Western vineyards are justly famous for the high quality wines they produce. Seppelt Great Western achieved much of its fame originally from the variety known as Irvine's White of Ondenc and this practice continues today. About mid-September each year the dormant buds burst. After a slow start the young shoots grow rapidly as soon as the weather warms up. In mid-November the all important flowering commences.
Weather conditions play an important part in whether the flowers set a good, bad of average crop.
Temperature, winds, sunny or overcast conditions, rainfall, all have an effect. After flowering, growth slows down and most of the vine energy is directed towards the developing of the young berry by rapid cell division and enlargement. The decision when to pick is made after exhaustive testing to establish the correct sugar, acid and pH balance of the fruit. The final decision is made by the winemaker because it is at this stage that he becomes responsible for taking over the crop to make it into wine. It is a time of maximum activity and there is no rest until the crop is harvested.