Pruning Vines: A Practical Guide to Professional Success
Pruning vines is an ancestral art that requires precision and know-how. We, passionate about the wine world, know how vital this step is to obtain quality grapes and ensure the sustainability of our vineyards. In 2024, France had more than 750,000 hectares of vines, testifying to the importance of this culture in our heritage. Let's dive together into the secrets of successful pruning, essential to the vitality of our vines and the production of great wines.
Why and when to prune vines?
Pruning the vine is not just a tradition, it is a physiological necessity for the plant. It allows to control the yield , to give a harmonious shape to the vine and to improve the quality of the grapes. As vineyard adventurers, we have been able to observe how this practice directly influences the health and longevity of the vines.
The ideal time to prune is between November and March , during the vegetative rest of the vine. This period, which we familiarly call "winter pruning" or "dry pruning", is crucial because it precedes bud burst and the rise of sap. This is when we define the bud load for the coming season.
Here is a summary table of the advantages of pruning vines:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Performance control | Regulates grape production for optimum quality |
| Shape of the vine | Facilitates maintenance and display of clusters |
| Plant health | Prevents diseases and promotes good circulation of sap |
| Quality of grapes | Improves maturation and concentration of aromas |
It should be noted that pruning directly influences sap circulation and the long-term health of the vine. Proper pruning technique can significantly increase yields , while reducing the risk of disease.
The different methods of pruning vines
As we travel through the world’s vineyards, we have observed a variety of pruning methods, each adapted to specific terroirs and grape varieties. The three main techniques we encounter most often are:
- Guyot pruning (single or double)
- Goblet size
- Royat cord size
Guyot pruning is particularly widespread. It consists of keeping a long cane of 5 to 12 buds and a short spur of 2 buds. This method is appreciated for its flexibility and its adaptation to many grape varieties.
Goblet pruning , on the other hand, is a traditional technique that leaves 2 to 5 main arms with 1 to 2 spurs of 1 to 3 eyes each. It is often used in Mediterranean regions and for untrained vines.
Finally, the Royat cordon pruning maintains two horizontal arms on which several spurs are distributed. This method is particularly suited to mechanization and offers good distribution of vegetation.
It is crucial to choose the pruning method according to the grape variety, the terroir and the production objectives. Pruning that respects the physiology of the vine, taking into account the flow of sap, helps prevent wood diseases and ensures increased longevity of the vine.
How to achieve professional pruning?
To achieve professional pruning, you not only need to master the technique, but also have the right tools. As a passionate sommelier, I have seen the importance of suitable equipment during my many visits to wineries.
The essential tools for quality pruning are:
- Manual pruning shears, the traditional tool par excellence
- Pneumatic or electric pruning shears, to reduce fatigue when working on large surfaces
- The hand saw, for larger diameter cuts
It is essential to keep these tools in perfect condition, particularly by sharpening them regularly to ensure clean cuts that will heal quickly. Using modern electric pruning shears can transform the work of winegrowers , offering precision and efficiency.
The tailor's equipment is equally important. We recommend:
- Three layers of clothing to adapt to temperature variations
- A breathable raincoat to protect you from bad weather
- Reinforced protective gloves to prevent injuries
When pruning, it is essential to respect a few fundamental principles:
- Leave a 1 cm stub on large diameter cuts to prevent drying out.
- Alternate the position of the canes and spurs from one year to the next in Guyot
- Thin out the clusters if there are too many around mid-August.
- Properly train the branches on the wires to properly structure the vine
Formative pruning, carried out over the first 3-4 years after planting, is crucial to establish the structure of the vine. It requires special attention and a long-term vision of the desired shape for the vine.
Innovations and adaptations in vine pruning
The wine world is constantly evolving, and with it, pruning techniques. During our wanderings through the vineyards, we were able to observe the emergence of new innovative practices.
Mechanical pre-pruning is increasingly used to facilitate subsequent manual pruning. This technique allows for efficiency gains while preserving the precision of the final manual work. Similarly, mechanical pruning , whether minimal or precision trimming, is gaining ground on large farms. Although less precise than manual pruning, it offers considerable time savings.
Adapting pruning to climatic hazards is also essential. After a frost or hailstorm, it is necessary to adjust pruning according to the damage suffered by the vine shoots. This flexibility helps preserve the productive potential of the vine despite unfavorable conditions.
The use of specialized software is becoming a key tool for modern winegrowers . These technological tools make it possible to optimize plot management, including planning and monitoring pruning, by integrating agronomic and meteorological data.
As wine enthusiasts, we are witnessing this constant evolution of wine-growing practices. Pruning vines, far from being a simple mechanical operation, is an art that is perfected over the generations, combining tradition and innovation to produce the great wines of tomorrow.
