We are not talking about human biology here but about something a little leafier. "Phenological stages", if you fancy the term.

Phenological stages, or plant life cycles, follow distinct and sequential stages of development. From a vineyard management perspective, these phases of plant development inform what viticultural practices to implement and when.

The stages encompass dormancy (rest), budburst (typically in early spring), flowering, fruit set, veraison (fancy French term virer = to change and can be used with respect to colour change, ie the onset of ripening), harvest (fruit ripeness), leaf senescence, and abscission—the shedding of flowers, leaves, and fruits.

Between vine dormancy and budburst, it's time for pruning, a job we do by hand. For many Australian wineries, pruning begins on particular days, such as the first day of winter due to family traditions passed down over the generations.

As a first-generation winemaker, I can question and adapt these traditions, especially in the face of climate change. So, call us late to the party; we started pruning just over a week ago!

Around this time of year, while driving around the district, it is interesting to see surrounding vineyards of Chardonnay and Semillon, as these eager beavers tend to be the varietals that burst a bit earlier, and when they do, I know it's time to get busy.

Over the last few years, McLaren Vale has experienced La Niña, bringing extensive spring and early summer rains, wild winds, and stormy weather. Historically, we often have scorching weather in the period of January to mid March, but these heat waves are becoming unpredictable and are shifting as late as March.

Theoretically, delaying pruning—and it's just that, a theory—will push back budburst and all the following phenological stages. 

The result? Flowering in theory will occur during better weather, giving better fruit set and, depending on yield level will delay ripening? It's delayed by a week or two, in anticipation of dodging that March heat wave.

Vintage might be six months away, but a number of the factors determining the wines that we will make next year start now.

This year, we invite you to join us in the lead-up to the 2025 vintage as we share more of our philosophy and approach to sustainable practices from Instagram.

We’d love you to come along for the ride, so be sure to give us a follow by clicking this link. Budburst for us; it hasn't happened yet, but... it's just around the corner.

See you there!