Update March 9: the pruning was a huge success. Here’s a link to a slideshow of the work, the crew, and the eats: 2012 Pruning.
Volunteers needed! Paso Robles, March 3 – 4, 2012. Posted at the request of California Wine University.
Come, have fun, be outdoors, do a little pruning, have a bbq, drink some wine and learn a little about wine and the grapes that go into this precious nectar we all love and care about.
We will be PRUNING on one of our partnering vineyards on Saturday and Sunday, March 3 and 4. Start time, early! So plan to be out there starting at AM!!
Pruning is the task of removing the old buds and lighten the weight of the vines in order to optimize the volume and quality of grapes that the vines ultimately produce. Pruning is important because it stimulates growth of the vines. This natural process is called “apical dominance.” This means that the buds at the ends of the vines have priority of growth, so if they start to form buds and then freeze, by pruning them we stimulate the growth of the younger buds that grow at the top of the vines. This must be done before spring arrives. The vineyard we will be at consists of grenache, mourvedre and syrah grapes.
This will be a fun and educational opportunity to lay your hands on these vines, followed by a delicious bbq lunch and of course some wine. There will be also be lots of wine tasting opportunities in one of the most renowned, award-winning wine regions of the world.
Please be sure to bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, layered clothing. The weather is very unpredictable this time of year, so dress for change. In fact, the weather is likely to be cold in the morning. If the fog clears, it may be quite warm by noon. Also be sure to bring appropriate shoes — we will be in the dirt of the vineyards!
Again, come out — have fun, learn a little about the vineyard and help our vintner tend to his beautiful vineyard. Work among the vines at the very beginning stages of the growth cycle this year for the 2012 wine.
Address and directions will be given upon commitment to coming to this event as well as my cell phone number to assure no one gets lost. Please RSVP and let us know which days you would like to attend.
Visit our website at http://www.calwineu.org. Please send us an email (info@calwineu.org) if you would like to attend and which day/days work best for you.
Cheers!! And see you in the vineyard!
Barbara (barbara@calwineu.org)
