Pruning in the Frosty Fog

Attire:

• 2 shirts
• 1 sweater
• 1 puffy jacket
• 1 pair of spandex tights
• 1 pair of jeans
• 2 pairs of socks
• 1 pair of rubber boots
• 1 beanie
• 1 pair of gloves

High temperature: 36 degrees

Location: Pini Vineyard, Rogue Valley - Tempranillo & Cabernet Sauvignon

Bob has the Cadillac of pruning shears-
electric!

Pruning grapevines is one of the most essential parts of vineyard management and should occur when the vines are dormant- January thru March. Yesterday I had my first lesson in pruning from Bob Denman of Slagle Creek Vineyards. Not only does Bob have experience managing his own vineyards, but he also oversees many acres throughout the Rogue and Applegate Valleys. He trained me in different pruning styles and trellising systems. When pruning, you really are in control of the future of the vine- its yield, bud position towards the sun, and potential canes. Though slightly nerve-racking, it was really fun being a part of the vine's annual cycle. We worked away for over 5 hours, but I suspect I'll be back out there at least a handful more times to finish grooming the vines. If all goes as planned, I'll be harvesting the fruit for my own wine this fall.

If you would like to try a wine produced from the Pini Vineyard, Bob has a wonderful Tempranillo/Cabernet Sauvignon blend currently available. The wine is an equal part blend with rich, dark fruit aromas along with Tempranillo's signature brightness and spice on the palate.

The sun appeared briefly for a photo-op