The Life Cycle of a Grape
One Year in the Vineyard
| Winter DormancyDecember-March (Jun-Sep)Dormancy is a stage with no growth activity. The vine rests from autumn (leaf fall) to spring (bud burst). |
| Winter PruningDecember-March (Jun-Sep)Winter pruning removes the majority of the canes to allow a more precise bud selection at a later pruning. |
| Bud BreakMarch-April (Sep-Oct)Bud Break happens when daily temperatures reach 10 °C (50 °F). The vine is weaking up and produces new leaves to generate carbohydrates for new growth. |
| FloweringApril-May (Oct-Nov)Flowering depends on warmer temperatures and stronger sunlight. A daily temperature of 15-20 °C (59–68 °F) activates the process. |
| Fruit SetMay-June (Nov-Dec)Fruit Set is the stage immediately after flowering. Small green peppercorn-sized berries grow bigger and harder, high in acid and low in sugar. |
| Ripening (Veraison)July-September (Jan-Mar)This is the stage where the grapes begin to change color. It is a signal of fruit maturation. Acid level falls. Sugar level rises. |
| HarvestingSeptember-October (Mar-Apr)The enologist chooses when to harvest. If you pick too early, the tannins are green and bitter. If you pick too late, the sugar level kills the acidity. |
| Canopy ManagementAll year round.Canopy is the grapevine structure that is above the ground. Canopy management is the manipulation of the canopy (buds, shoots, leaves, fruit) to optimize the quality of the grapes. |
Picture Gallery
Winter sleeping vines at the Moselle (Mosel, Germany) in February.
Winter pruning is a selective removal of 70-90% of the branches and buds.
Budding is the first sign of life. The vine must produce leaves to generate carbohydrates for new growth.
Flowering can last one or two days in a warm and dry climate, or one month in a cool and wet climate.
Small green peppercorn-sized berries grow bigger and harder, high in acid and low in sugar.
All grapes start out green. Then they turn yellow or pink (white grapes), or red, blue, black or purple.
Hand picking Gruner Veltliner grapes at Hahndorf Hill vineyard in the Adelaide Hills.
Canopy management. How to design a grapevine and guide its energy into the ultimate result.