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Pruning
is the process of cutting back the
long shoots from the vine, leaving
the bud that will ultimately produce
next year’s crop. This skill takes
years to learn and only a select
group of vineyard workers are chosen
for this important work. The
pruning season happens after the
vines have slipped into dormancy.
In addition to pruning work, the
soil is also cared for. In our
vineyards, we plant a nutrient rich
cover crop in between each vine
row. This is a sustainable way of
adding important nutrients back in
to the soil which has been stressed
during the long growing season.
Ultimately, this careful cultivation
in the vineyard paves the way for a
successful harvest.
Our
cellar is another area we do not
overlook during the winter months.
Much of our cleaning and sanitation
work happens this time of year.
Hoses, tanks and equipment are all
washed and completely overhauled
after the heavy use during harvest.
We also spend a lot time in our
barrel room, cleaning and prepping
barrels for more wine. The bottling
line receives maintenance and
cleaning, as we ramp up for bottling
starting in January. In the wine
business, like most, there’s no rest
for the weary as it is truly a
fulltime, 12 month cycle. |