The importance of pruning

Our farming practices are guided by the seasonal rhythm of our vineyards. As the land absorbs nutrients from the winter rains, preparing for another growing season, our seemingly dormant vines are gathering strength. With the unseasonably warm weather we’ve experienced in February, bud break is arriving a bit early. Right now, the wine farm is taking a deep breath in, preparing to exhale with the bounties of a new crop.

In preparation, we have spent the past two months thoughtfully pruning each block, casting the dye for two successive vintages. We look at blocks individually to determine the yielding capacity of our vines and their potential to produce grapes that will ripen with expressive flavors. When needed, we control our yields by reducing the number of buds that grow into leafy shoots and grape clusters. For our established, more vigorous blocks, we allow them more room for growth and elect to produce a heavier crop. For young blocks and our oldest vines, we reduce the projected yield and choose to offer focused support to the clusters beautiful, complex juice they provide.

As we have been pruning, our cover crops below the vines are sprouting. Dozens of different plants are specifically selected based on contribution to soil health and the flowers they provide for beneficial pollinators visiting our estate. Our flourishing cover crop also contributes nitrogen to the soil, opening it up for stronger accessibility to rooting plants of all types. When the full bloom of spring has arrived, the vineyard literally hums with activity, ushering in insects and wildlife of all types and sizes.  

Soon it is time to mow and allow the nutrients to fully absorb into our focused crop of grapes.  No need to worry; the pruned canes are chipped, and along with the dropped clusters of grapes and cover crop, rotated back into the soil providing additional carbon material and further increasing soil health.

As you can tell, we are very excited! In the coming weeks we should see the first signs of bud break in the Chardonnay block, kicking off our 2020 growing season. We will keep you posted on its arrival!