A Shaved Head for Harvest

Niels began harvesting his Shiraz grapes on Wednesday…

Niels, between his vines, harvesting by hand

Late on Tuesday night, in anticipation of the first day of picking, Niels shaved his head. It’s his harvest ritual.

‘During harvest he doesn’t have time to brush the three remaining hairs on his head,’ explains Penny, ‘so it’s become tradition, along with growing a beard.’

Penny adds, ‘the beard gets trimmed into all sorts of wonderful designs, mutton chops, scary moustaches, a bokkie that was plaited – Niels’s way of dealing with post-harvest stress!’

The Boss celebrating a previous harvest with friends - with bald head and luddite 'tattoo'