Winter

Winter is thought of as the prologue to the growing season. While the vines are dormant, cover crops including bell beans and barley are grown to add nitrogen and build the soil. A special wildflower mix is sown in to attract benificial insects and promote general soil health through variety. In Aptos, we expect a few good months of rain - enough to sustain our dry-farmed vineyard through its next growth cycle. January and February bring a few good frosty mornings. The end of these cold snaps marks the period for bud-break.

Spring

 March marks the beginning of the growing season. The first leaves begin to appear on the nodes which were carefully selected during pruning. As the season progresses and days get warmer, the threat of mildew increases. Micronized sulfer is periodically applied to the vines. As the sulfer slowly dissipates, it creates an atmosphere in which mold spores can't bloom and spread. Micronutrients are applied with the sulfer to assure healthy vine growth. This is also the time for weeding and mowing, which is done by mechanical means alone.

Summer and Fall

Summer in Aptos can be wonderful and sunny from June to September, however a blanket of fog may occasionally overstay its welcome. Pinot Noir seems to thrive in this environment, nonetheless, and we can count on a good deal of growth in the vineyard. In early July leaves are pulled from around the fruit to promote dry mold-free fruit clusters. As the days begin to shorten, the vines turn their attention to ripening fruit. The canopy is hedged down to a manageable height and bird netting is applied. Then we spend sleepless nights waiting for that one perfect day to harvest.