Let BVS become your partner in growth?
How can Blackbird Vineyard Services help you achieve your goals throughout the growing season? What needs do you have for the management of your vineyards? As a vineyard manager (or owner, winemaker, etc.), we know the journey from harvesting to fermentation is a labor-intensive and meticulous process, essential for producing high-quality wines.
Many decisions go into every growing season on your vines, not only choosing whether to implement conventional or organic methods, or which approach or actions to take in regards to problems that arise in the vineyard. Each season presents unique challenges and opportunities that require your attention and care. That’s why we offer Full Farming Solutions customized to your specific needs and goals.
Winter in the Willamette Valley
During the dormant winter months, when the vines are at rest, we turn our focus to pruning the vines. This practice involves carefully cutting away excess growth from the previous season, which helps to control the size of the vine, manage the canopy, and ensure optimal sunlight and air circulation. By strategically selecting which canes to keep, viticulturists can influence the balance between vegetative growth and fruit production.
Pruning is critical during this period; it sets the stage for healthy vine growth and maximizes fruit production. Proper vineyard pruning not only supports the health and longevity of the vines, but also enhances the flavor concentration and complexity of the grapes, ultimately contributing to the distinct and celebrated wines of the Willamette Valley. Pruning is considered the most cost effective and efficient method of achieving vine balance, compared to shoot or fruit thinning.
BVS brings local expertise along with wide-ranging experience to help you and your team discuss the best pruning techniques and the strategic planting of cover crops to enhance soil health.
Planning and Planting for the next season is also key in these dormant winter months. As we head into another growing season, these are the times to bring in BVS to consult on your future plans and dreams.
Spring: Budbreak on the vines
In spring, the awakening of the vineyard is an exciting time, with budbreak and flowering, and the mitigation of temperature variance and often in the northern Willamette Valley.
Will budbreak result in a healthy crop, Will it be an early harvest with excessive sugars, or a late harvest with weather considerations?
Mitigating these factors is something we are well-versed in and ready for. We can partner with you to solve the problems nature throws your way as you look with hope at the coming season and the complexity of the wines the year will produce.
Summer FRuit Set, and Stressors
As summer arrives, and the fruit is set, vigilance is key.
Monitoring the vines for needs and pest pressures. This is also the time to thin grape clusters, hedge and pull leaves to ensure optimal sunlight, and apply the appropriate sprays to maintain healthy fruit. We want to maintain the health of the vineyard, so that you see the results on the crush pad and in the barrel.
Harvest Energy
When harvest comes with the early fall, the energy on the vineyard transforms. Whether you prefer a team to hand-pick your grapes, utilize machine harvesters, or employ both in different blocks; Our job, as Vineyard Managers is to ensure that process goes smoothly and that transporting grapes to the winery is efficient and on schedule for your preparations at the crush pad and the fermentation that follows.
Post-harvest, the work doesn’t end.
Preparing the vineyard for the next season is crucial. Considering soil amendments, planting cover crops, and assessing any replanting needs. Your winter months may be quieter, but they are an excellent opportunity for planning improvements and repairs, setting you up for success in the coming year.
The cyclical nature of vineyard work is what makes it so rewarding. Each season contributes to the craft of winemaking, and sharing this journey with your team, as well as your Vineyards’ visitors can deepen their appreciation for the art of viticulture.
We are not just winemakers, we are wine-growers and farming vineyards of quality in the Willamette Valley is at the core of why we want to partner with you.
Your dedication shapes the quality of your vines, and the connection people feel to the land and its wines. Blackbird Vineyard Services will partner with you in growth, from Vine to Wine.
Email Sam at [email protected] or Jenn at [email protected] and find BVS on LinkedIn.
