A busy autumn in the vineyards

Post-Harvest in the Vineyard and Cellar

Now that harvest is behind us, things may seem a little quieter—but there’s still plenty happening both in the vineyard and in the cellar. These weeks between harvest and winter are some of the most important of the year, even if the pace feels a little bit slower.

In the Vineyard

Once the last grapes are picked, the vines begin transitioning into dormancy. The energy that once went into fruit production starts retreating back into the roots, and above ground, the leaves turn yellow and start to fall. It’s the vine’s way of winding down.

But for us, the work continues. Immediately after harvest, our team shifts focus to post-harvest care, setting the stage for healthy growth next spring. Key tasks during this period include:

• Clearing vine waste and pruning debris: We remove dead canes and fallen leaves to reduce disease risk and improve air flow.

• Soil work and cover crops: Depending on the parcel, we may lightly till the soil, add organic compost, or plant cover crops to protect soil structure through winter.

• Trellis and drainage maintenance: Wires are tightened, posts are checked, and we make sure water runoff is properly managed.

• Observation and adjustment: Each block is reviewed for signs of stress, erosion, or nutrient issues. Any small corrections are made now, while the soil is still workable.

  
  

In the Cellar

While the vineyards enter rest mode, the cellar is just getting going. The freshly harvested musts are now fermenting - where the magic happens!

We monitor fermentation closely—especially for our white wines, where preserving freshness and aromatics is key. Depending on the lot, we use techniques like gentle pumping-over, bâtonnage (stirring the lees), or temperature control to guide the wine’s development.

Some wines are racked off early, others are left on their lees to build texture. Each decision we make at this stage will influence the final balance, aroma, and mouthfeel of the wine—so attention to detail is everything.

A Time to Reflect and Plan

This in-between time—after harvest but before winter—is also when we review the vintage parcel by parcel. We look back at what worked well, what challenged us, and begin planning any changes for next year’s growing season. That could include adjusting canopy management, pruning strategies, or vineyard treatments based on what the vines have shown us.

We’ll be sharing our full harvest report in November, with detailed insights and data from the vintage. Until then, keep an eye on our social channels for updates from the cellar and the vineyard.