Grapevine pruning is one of the most important vineyard tasks of the dormant season. By nature, grapevines grow with tremendous enthusiasm, and without the watchful eyes and skilled hands of our vineyard team, that unchecked vigor can reduce the vine’s ability to produce high-quality fruit.

Each winter, approximately 80–90% of the previous year’s growth is removed while the vines are dormant. This careful pruning helps shape the vine for the coming season and allows the vineyard crew to focus its energy on healthy, productive growth.

How Winter Pruning Shapes the Growing Season

As the crew moves through the vineyard, each grapevine is evaluated individually. They look for wood that is growing in the right direction, remains healthy, and is capable of bearing fruit in the new growing season. It is remarkable how quickly experienced hands can make these decisions and remove excess growth from the trellis.

This annual process helps balance canopy growth and fruit production while improving airflow and sunlight exposure later in the season. Thoughtful vineyard management is especially important in the Dundee Hills, where elevation, slope, and seasonal conditions influence how each block develops.

After pruning, the cut brush is placed between the vineyard rows, where it naturally decomposes and returns organic material to the soil. This simple cycle helps support a balanced and healthy growing environment throughout the estate.

See the transformation below to compare a vine before and after grapevine pruning.