HOW A 140-YEAR-OLD VINEYARD THRIVES
Once harvest is completed and the grapevines have gone into dormancy, our vineyard crew sets out for one of the most laborious tasks of the year. The decisions made during pruning significantly impact the rest of the growing season and the overall health of the vine. By their very nature, grapevines sprawl, and pruning restricts their growth to place the future fruit into a narrow zone, ultimately setting the stage for a successful vintage.
Pruning is the first touch on the vine for the vintage year and creates a domino effect for all subsequent touches, such as how we shoot thin and manage the canopy and crop size. It profoundly affects the quality of the grapes we harvest. Grapevines tend to spread, producing more canes and leaves than is needed for balanced fruit. It takes a skilled vineyard crew to restrict that growth and encourage just enough vigor for a successful crop.