Friday, February 11, 2011

One snip at a time.

In stark contrast to the old vine in my last post, Vinoland's young Orange muscat vines are mere whippersnappers. However, just like the gnarly up-valley vine, this photograph shows a head-trained vine - on it's way to being, well, gnarly.
I started pruning today. The weather has been so nice I just had to find something to do outdoors so, accompanied by the Vinodogs, I decided to kick start the 2011 growing season by commencing with the white grape varieties. I had quite a few decisions to make in the OM block as many of the vines had been damaged by deer last year. I carefully selected this year's spur and cane positions, and took a little extra time to make sure I left enough buds so that the vine remembers it is in the business of producing a crop, not just vegetation. I didn't get much done, but it is a start.
If anyone needs to find me, over the next 6 weeks, I'll be in the vineyard.

6 comments:

Vinomaker said...

Yea Vinogirl (and Vinodogs)! Now I can begin planning for this year's harvest and I can expect more white fruit this year, right?

Vinogirl said...

Yes, more white fruit as the vines are approaching maturity...and there we are, in your profile picture, schlepping the prunings out of the vineyard :)

Thud said...

Do you need to borrow my triple fulcrum air cooled carbon composite secatuers?

Vinogirl said...

I think I'll manage just fine with my trusty Felcos. Besides, I wouldn't want to deprive you the pleasure of pruning stuff OTW.

Thud said...

In billhooks we trust.

Vinogirl said...

I think I need a bit more of a precision instrument than that!