February 2025 - Pruning Begins: Preparing the Vines for a Great Season Ahead

As we settle into February, the vineyard may seem a  little quiet, but behind the scenes, plenty of work is taking place. While the vines are taking a winter break, it’s actually the ideal time for pruning. This important task helps set the stage for healthy growth and a great harvest later in the year.

Why Prune in February?

During the winter months, when the vines are not actively growing, pruning helps to remove old, dead, or diseased wood, which improves air circulation and sunlight penetration for the remaining healthy parts of the vine. This also helps to control the structure of the vine, encouraging strong growth and ensuring that the vine is prepared for the new season.  

What Does Pruning Achieve?

Pruning is about much more than simply cutting back the vines. By removing excess growth, it helps to direct the plant’s energy into developing strong, productive shoots. This ensures that the vine can support a healthy crop of grapes later in the season. Pruning also encourages better airflow through the vineyard, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and pests.

This year we have been quite brutal in our approach to encourage new production with the established root system of our 30 year old vines.

Why Pruning Matters

Pruning does more than just get the vineyard ready for the new season. It helps keep the vines healthy by getting rid of damaged or diseased wood, which lowers the chance of illness spreading. Plus, it keeps the vines growing in a way that's easy to manage, making it simpler to care for them as they grow stronger.