As is the case with winemaking, there are many ways to take care of a vineyard. Our goal is to grow shoots approximately three feet long with two bunches of grapes per shoot, resulting in a balanced vine. We try to balance the vines at our vineyards because we believe this produces grapes of the highest quality.

Our vineyard year follows the calendar year. After the vines have lain dormant for the winter, it is time to start caring for the vines once again so they can produce optimal fruit for the coming year’s harvest. Some operations are performed once a year and some need to be performed throughout the season. Additionally, vineyards less than four years old require special care.

The procedures provided on the following pages are for our vineyard managers. Operations are listed according to the months they occur. Not all operations are required for every vineyard, but they will improve the quality--but not the quantity--of fruit produced.

Feel free to use our procedures as a guide to growing your grapes, but please keep in mind that we are located in Saratoga, California; your growing region may differ drastically from ours.