Growing season at the vineyard

It’s October, and whilst in the UK the Autumn days are getting shorter and cooler, in Mendoza our vines are awakening, soaking up the showers and basking in the glorious Argentine spring sunshine.

Growing season began with bud break in September when tiny buds and shoots appeared on the vines, turning the whole vineyard bright green with new life. As the weeks go by and temperatures increase, leaves will develop allowing photosynthesis and providing the energy for rapid growth.

At this time of year vine growth and development are key. Irrigation is controlled to balance the distribution of nutrients and energy for shoot growth and grape production. The canopy is carefully managed; spring shoots will be thinned through a process called suckering. Over several weeks, unwanted shoots are removed leaving selected shoots positioned for maximum exposure to the sun, improving air flow and balancing the eventual yield.

During the coming weeks as spring turns to summer things really hot up! Average temperatures at the vineyard in December and January are over 30 degrees which is perfect for the development of sweet, plump fruit. But for now, the focus is on preparing the vines and getting the 2027 vintage off to the best possible start.