Pruning is an essential task in the vineyard and is perhaps something we forget. Grapevines are vigorous climbers that need regular winter pruning and management through the growing season to produce a good harvest and keep them within bounds.
Many wineries in the Rioja Wine Country opt for manual pruning to be able to accurately determine the number of buds and consequently determine the vine’s yield.
Pruning is usually carried out by experts and has many requirements and benefits:
- regulate grape load per vine, balancing quality and production
- improve grape cluster aeration and sun exposure, reducing the risk of diseases such as powdery mildew
- extend the vineyard’s productive lifespan, maximizing grape quality for decades