Springtime at Todhunter Vineyards: Safeguarding the Vines and Celebrating Family

As the days grow longer and the temperatures climb, life at Todhunter Vineyards is in full swing. This time of year is one of careful attention and rapid growth in the vineyard. Our young vines are leafing out beautifully, reaching toward the sun with tender green shoots that will one day bear the fruit of future harvests. But with this welcome burst of growth comes a familiar challenge: deer.

Spring is when deer are tempted to snack on the delicate, nutrient-rich leaves of grapevines. To protect our vineyard from their curiosity and appetites, we’ve just finished installing deer netting around the entire perimeter of the vineyard. This added layer of protection is a critical step to ensure our vines mature safely into the growing season ahead.

We couldn’t have completed this effort without the dedicated help of our vineyard team. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Robert and Isaac, whose strength and determination made this job not only possible but enjoyable. We’re also deeply grateful to have had help from family—Bob Hamill, the family patriarch, and Jerryn Hamill, the family matriarch, both visiting from Texas, rolled up their sleeves and pitched in with the kind of grit and spirit that defines Todhunter Vineyards. Their presence and hands-on involvement reminded us that this land, and this vineyard, are about far more than just grapes—it’s about generations working side-by-side toward a shared legacy.

As we move into the next phase of the season, we’ll be monitoring vine health, managing early weed and pest pressure, and preparing for shoot thinning and trellis adjustments. Every task is part of a larger rhythm that unfolds across the growing season, each one bringing us closer to the day we welcome our first harvest.

To everyone following our journey—thank you for your support. Whether you're walking our trails, attending a seasonal event, or raising a glass of Todhunter wine someday soon, you’re part of our growing story.

Follow us here and on Facebook @todhunter.vineyards for more updates from the farm.

—The Todhunter Vineyards Team 🍇🌿