PRUNING A VINEYARD WHEN VINES ARE DORMANT Ahhhh…when and where to begin Seems pretty scary but actually, once you get in “the groove” it’s fun !!  Time goes faster than you think. We think that the best time to trim your vineyard is January and February. There are vineyard operators who trim in     December and that’s good for them.  We, at Sirvent’s Vineyard, like to give the vineyard a true rest in the month of December before we give them their “winter hair cut.” The most important thing is to be careful not to cut yourself by being “over zealous!!” Those pruning shears can hurt when they pinch you. We begin pruning in the older vineyard first because it is going to take the longest because of more growth.  It really doesn’t matter where you begin. Okay, here we go.  You are going to count 3-4 nodes from the cordon on new vines and cut.  (the cordon is the part of the vine that grows under the wire and the fruiting canes are the “shoots” that produce the fruit) On the older vines, cut back the last years growth to 3 or 4 nodes on the fruiting vines. (Unlike bunch grapes which are cut closer to the cordon).   Whatever you do, do not cut close to the cane. You will have a good chance of losing production that year. If you think you are cutting too close to the cordon, chances are you probably are. If you see canes growing down, cut them off and start training your vineyard to grow “up.” Your muscadine vineyard can look second to none and even look as good as California.  And be very productive. As you are pruning, check the stalk and if you see anything growing, cut it off.  These little ‘vines” take away from the fruiting canes. As you are pruning, you will love your vineyard even more. Even when dormant, a well pruned vineyard is beautiful. That’s all there is to it.  In March you will see the vine awaken and sap starts to rise.  You can begin your fertilization schedule. Keep your eyes on the stalk and cut off any shoots growing. After you are finished pruning either a vine a row, or your entire vineyard, spray with a good fungicide. This will lessen the chances of die back. Summer pruning to allow air circulation under the vines is recommended but not absolutely necessary unless you are using herbicide to inhibit the weed growth in the row. AUGUST It’s August  My ! How time flies !! And time to reap what you sowed.  The grapes are beautiful and ready for making wine, juice, or jelly.  Or all three !!! We have vines for sale now.  Carlos makes a beautiful white wine. Triumph is a great Wine Grape and table Grape. You can blend just about any white grape with Carlos and you will still have a great tasting wine. Be sure to use more Carlos than that of the one you are using to blend. John & Lois Sirvent 108 Thornton Lane, Florahome, Fl  32140 (386) 659-2231