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What's happening at St. Francis Winery

What a great start to 2024!

February 1, 2024

Our winery has been abuzz with activity as we move into the 2024 vintage, and we’re excited to share updates from our vineyard, cellar, winery, and more with you!

In Sonoma County, winter has brought mild weather and above-average rainfall, though less than the previous year. As early spring approaches, we anticipate a timely budbreak and hope for an early end to any late winter frost, fostering strong new canes in our vineyards.

The vineyard team has been busy preparing all of our estate vineyards for the next growing season by pruning and training the vine canes, cultivating new cover crops, and nurturing some of our newest plantings.

Winter Pruning and Cane Training

Pruning grapevines and cane training during the winter in the vineyard are crucial practices that significantly influence the health and productivity of the vines. This dormant season intervention allows vineyard managers to shape and guide the growth of grapevines, optimizing their structure for the upcoming growing season. Pruning grapevines involves:

Selecting and securing the strongest shoots
Promoting proper airflow
Sunlight exposure
Even distribution of grape clusters

Cane training, on the other hand, involves strategically positioning and securing one-year-old canes to encourage fruitful bud development, simplifying vine canopy management.

These winter practices contribute to the grapevines’ overall health and play a pivotal role in maximizing grape quality and yield, ultimately influencing the character and flavor profile of the wines you love.