After the end of blossoming not only the harvest date but also the probable yield for 2008 can now be estimated.

Depending on the varietal the amount is medium to high.

In the vineyards such as the Zöbinger Heiligenstein, which were strongly thinned out in 2007, the amount of fruit is unfortunately very high.  Fruit set is good.

Vineyards yielding high amounts last year had a weaker fruit set this spring.

In the case of all vineyards the expected yields are slightly too high for really fine wine.  We will have to intervene, deciding individually vine by vine, and vineyard by vineyard.  Now, for instance, is the time to help the younger plants by dividing the bunches of grapes -- see photos.

Dividing bunches is useless, unless one cuts into the middle of the bunch. Tearing off just small parts is useless.