Winter in the vineyards is not everyone’s favourite time of the year; cold mornings and late sunrises aren't always fun. Grape vines look like they are having a hard time too; bedraggled with intertwined canes devoid of leaves.
But it is such an important time of the year.
The vines have worked so hard producing fruit, drawing water and nutrients all summer to make the perfect grapes; the sap that is so important to sending the nutrients to the leaves and fruit has now stopped flowing.
It is time to rest.
Pruning of the vines has started. With no sap in the vines, the canes can be safely pruned, ready for the spring burst of heat. The pruning process is not mechanical. Yes. Not mechanical.
This is a job for the keen eye and a perfectionist who loves the outdoors. Remember that they are pruning in the fresh winter mornings. Pruning controls the quantity and the quality of fruit for the coming year. Too many buds left on the vine and you have excess fruit, struggling for nutrients. Too few buds and you have cut your crop and your income in half. These are important decisions being made. Decisions that we will rely on over the coming years.
For the benefit of your wine.
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