Winter Pruning in the Vineyard: Setting the Scene for the Year Ahead
- Will Davenport
- a few seconds ago
- 2 min read
Winter in the vineyard might look quiet at a glance — bare rows, frost on the ground, a chill in the air. But up close, there’s plenty happening. From early December through to the end of March, we’re out there with secateurs in hand, tackling one of the most important jobs of the year: pruning.
At Davenport Vineyards, we cane prune, carefully shaping each vine for the season ahead. That means trimming back most of last year’s growth while leaving a thoughtful mix of longer cane arms and shorter spurs. Every cut is deliberate — a bit of science, a bit of craftmanship and a lot of experience guiding each snip.
Cane Pruning: It’s About Balance
The longer cane arms we leave will produce most of the shoots and grape clusters this year, while the shorter spurs keep the vine’s structure strong and healthy, ready to produce again in the future. It’s all about balance: too many shoots, and the vine spreads its energy too thin; prune carefully, and it focuses on producing top-quality fruit.
Long-Term Thinking
Pruning isn’t just about the coming season — each cut affects the vine for years to come. By working carefully and consistently, we help reduce stress on the vine and support steady, reliable growth. At Davenport, we take our time, working with the vine rather than forcing it, letting quality build slowly, year after year.
Less is Always More
One of the main reasons we prune is to control yield. Fewer grape clusters mean the vine puts all its energy into each bunch, giving richer flavours, vibrant acidity, and a clearer sense of place in every bottle we make. Quality over quantity — every time.
A Craft Worth Celebrating
Pruning is both a science and an art. No two vines are the same — each has its own story, shaped by age, soil, and the seasons it’s lived through. Last year, we were thrilled when Davenport Vineyards won the WineGB Pruning Competition — a nod to the patience, skill, and love our team brings to the vineyard every winter.
Laying the Foundations for the Vintage Ahead
From December through to early spring, every cut we make is done with the next vintage in mind. Pruning may be quiet work, but it lays the foundation for everything that comes after.
And honestly? There’s something very satisfying about it — the rows look tidy, the vines are ready, and we can’t wait to see what the next season brings.
