I just got back from a quick trip to the southern Okanagan and had just enough time to stop by two favourite wineries, La Stella in Osoyoos and Meyer Family in Okanagan Falls (more on them in later articles). It occurred to me that most people visit this wine region in the summer or early fall when the vineyards look much different. Here is a brief synopsis of what has been happening lately.
Over the winter, vineyard managers and workers have been busy in the fields, pruning the vines for the first time. This means cutting away most of the canes from last year, just leaving a few for this year’s shoots. These shoots will develop new canes, buds, and eventually, new clusters of grapes. Having fewer shoots helps to concentrate the plant’s energy into ripening the fruit. One reason wine is so much better now than it ever has been, is because people in the industry understand that less is more. The fewer grape clusters, the better the wine. As someone once said, the fewer mouths to feed, the better fed everyone is. Trellising is also checked and repaired if necessary and the canes are tied or taped to the wires.
As we enter spring, these discarded canes will be gathered up and burned with the resulting ash later returned to fertilize the soil. Late frost is always a concern as it can damage tender young growth. Everyone will be waiting for bud break and then, about eight weeks later, flowering by late spring or early summer, depending on the location of the vineyard. Here’s to the beginnings of a new vintage. Cheers!
