As the summer heat begins to wane and the crispness of autumn starts to be felt, September marks a pivotal time in the vineyard. It's a month of transition, where vineyard maintenance and winery operations become more focused and intensive. Here are some key tasks that are typical of a vineyard and winery around this time of year, and what Todhunter Vineyards will be doing starting in the next couple of years!
1. Harvest Preparation and Execution
September often signals the start of the grape harvest, but some of our fellow vineyards in PA began harvesting several weeks ago in August! It all depends on the grape varieties and the climate of your region. For THV's baby vines, not even a year old!, they're not permitted to fruit yet. Our first harvest will be two years from now. But, when the time comes, here's what we'll be doing:
Assessing Ripeness: Regular testing of chemical parameters that indicate ripeness include sugar content and acidity/acid content; these help determine the perfect time to harvest. Visual inspection and taste tests also play a role.
Organizing Labor: Ensuring that there are enough skilled hands to pick grapes quickly and efficiently is essential. Coordinating with staff or hiring seasonal workers might be necessary.
Equipment Check: Ensuring all harvesting equipment, such as shears, bins, and tractors, is in good condition is a priority. Clean and sanitize equipment to prevent any contamination of the fruit.
2. Canopy Management and Disease Control
Even as the harvest begins, canopy management continues to be important:
Leaf Removal: Selective leaf thinning around grape clusters can enhance airflow and sunlight penetration, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
Disease Monitoring: With cooler nights and occasional rains, the risk of mildew and other fungal diseases can increase. Regular inspections and appropriate fungicide applications help maintain healthy vines.
3. Soil and Vine Health Maintenance
Post-harvest care is crucial for the next growing season:
Soil Testing and Amendment: After harvest, conduct soil tests to check for nutrient deficiencies. Based on the results, apply organic compost or specific fertilizers to replenish the soil.
Irrigation Management: Adjusting irrigation schedules is vital, especially in drought-prone areas. Reducing water can help harden the vines for winter while ensuring they don’t suffer from water stress.
4. Winery Operations and Preparation for Winemaking
As grapes come in, the focus shifts to the winery:
Crush and Fermentation: Freshly harvested grapes are quickly crushed and destemmed. Winemaking requires close monitoring of fermentation temperatures and yeast activity to ensure optimal flavor development.
Barrel Preparation: Preparing barrels for aging involves inspecting, cleaning, and sanitizing to ensure they are ready for the new wine.
Cellar Management: September is also a time for meticulous cellar work—racking off the lees, monitoring malolactic fermentation, and topping off barrels to minimize oxidation, are some activities that'll keep us busy.
5. Post-Harvest Vineyard Maintenance
After the last grapes are picked, attention turns to preparing the vineyard for winter:
Pruning: Early pruning decisions are made based on the season’s growth and vine vigor. While major pruning is typically done later, some initial cuts may be made.
Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops between rows can help prevent soil erosion, improve soil structure, and add organic matter.
6. Planning for Next Season
September is also a time for reflection and planning:
Reviewing the Season: Analyze data collected throughout the growing season, including weather patterns, pest pressure, and yield. This information helps in planning for the next year.
Ordering Supplies: Start ordering vineyard and winery supplies needed for the winter and the upcoming season to ensure availability and possibly secure early order discounts.
7. Activities on the Vineyard
September into November will see continuation of our weekly evening events such as live music, garden tours, hiking, pumpkin patch activities, hay rides, corn maze, and more! We aren't ready to go this year, but we aim to begin hosting such events this time next year.
See you then!
Comentarios