HOW WE PRUNEDuring pruning, we remo

HOW WE PRUNEDuring pruning, we remove canes, in turn removing buds that would otherwise become new fruit producing shoots the following season. By removing buds, we ensure concentrated growth within the remaining buds, and eventually, canopy and fruit development.During winter pruning, 70-90% of the previous season’s vine growth is removed. Vines typically have 100+ buds, however, after winter pruning, that number drastically decreases to around 30 -36 remaining buds.Over and under-pruning can lead to an unbalanced vine and grape development. Over-pruning can result in a nutrient and mineral deficiency, where the remaining buds might not provide enough nutrients and minerals to fully ripen the fruit. Also, during dormancy, important nutrients and minerals are stored in all woody parts of the vines, so when the woodier material is removed, fewer nutrients and minerals are left for the upcoming growing season. Under-pruning the vines can result in an excess of vegetative growth which leads to uneven fruit development.Selecting how many buds to leave per spur depends on many different factors and can change from season to season. Typically, the younger the vine is, the fewer buds left per spur. As the vine grows and matures, more buds are left per spur until vine and grape development are at an achieved balanced state. Climate and soil fertility effect vine strength and growth, which in turn can be controlled by bud selection. The type of grape varietal also influences bud count determination.At our Monte Creek vineyard, on average, Vitis Vinifera vines can be pruned to 16 – 18 buds per vine; whereas, our cool climate vines are often pruned to 20 – 22 buds per vine. It’s also important to note that just because we pruned a certain way this year, does not necessarily mean that we will prune to the same count next year. Bud count selection is not a set number or formula from one year to the next. If vines endure damage over the winter due to frigid temperatures, fewer buds may need to be left untouched in order to reach proper vine and grape development.All in all, winter pruning is the first step in a growing season – a process implemented to achieve vine balance and optimum grape development. When properly pruned, shoots can be controlled, allowing the vine to fully ripen its fruit to the desired yield. In addition to, and as equally important as consistently ripening fruit from one year to another, is the overall long-term health of the vines at our Monte Creek and Lions Head vineyards. It is this consistent fruit production that provides Monte Creek Ranch Winery with the quality and essential foundation on which we produce our award-winning wines.