IN THE VINES
A year in the life of a winegrower
WINTER
Pruning
In winter it is necessary to cut away the old wood to retain a precise number of buds from which new shoots will grow. The number of buds and their position is determined according to the growth of each individual vine.
SPRING
Disbudding
This consists of removing all unnecessary shoots.
Trellising
After disbudding the vegetation is lifted up on to a trellis so that it can benefit from the summer sun.
SUMMER
Trimming
When there is sufficient growth, the ends of the shoots are cut to concentrate the energy of the plant into the grape bunches.
Leaf thinning
A number of the vine leaves are pinched out (on the North side for an East-West facing vine and East for a North-South facing vine) in order to allow air around the grapes to help them ripen and improve visibility for picking.
AUTUMN
Harvesting
The grapes are picked when they are fully ripe. It is often hard work, but finishes on a convivial note with the end of harvest party.
TILLING THE SOIL
All year long
Working the soil is an essential part of taking care of the vines. It needs to be done throughout the year under the rows, alternating one row grassed over and one row tilled.