Pruning at Monte Creek Winery takes place every year in early spring, while the vines are still dormant. After their fall and early-winter rest—known as “endo-dormancy”—the vines slip into a deep sleep. This quiet period is the ideal time to remove the previous year’s growth.
We prune to set the vines up for strong growth and a healthy harvest. By selectively removing extra canes and limiting the number of buds, the vines can focus their energy on producing high-quality grape clusters. Pruning also ensures that the developing buds will receive plenty of sun-light and good air circulation throughout the growing season.
Beyond improving fruit quality, pruning helps maintain the vine’s structure and shape. This makes caring for the vines easier throughout the season and in future years. Without pruning, vines would quickly become overgrown, leading to unpredictable yields and a decline in grape quality—which ultimately affects the wine. At our winery, pruning is done carefully by hand to support long-term vine health, fruit quality, and the overall vintage.