Winter
VINES – are dormant in winter.
VINEYARD OPERATIONS – Pruning and tying the vines for next year's crop is completed. The vineyard is then fertilized. General vineyard repair and maintenance is completed.
Spring
VINES – Bud break, followed by a period of rapid growth. Flowers bloom and pollination takes place. Frost is a major concern as it can damage the vines and potential crop.
VINEYARD OPERATIONS – Frost protection and pest control are top priorities. New plantings are put into the ground. High winds, spring showers or extreme hot or cold weather can cause incomplete flowering, lessening the crop.
Summer
VINES – Grapes begin to change color as the fruit ripens; sugar levels increase and relative acidity decreases.
Fall
VINES – The crop is harvested, leaves drop and green wood hardens.
VINEYARD OPERATIONS – Harvest! The grapes are picked from mid-August (immature grapes that will become sparkling wines), early September (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot) up until October for Cabernet Sauvignon. The timing of the harvest depends upon the climate of the vineyards location – cool areas mean later harvest.
