Vineyard Tips for Spring
The growth cycle of grapevines varies widely based on climate, weather patterns, and grape variety. With so many variables at play, no two vineyards follow the exact same spring schedule. Still, as pruning wraps up and the growing season accelerates, spring vineyard management becomes top of mind for growers everywhere.
At the same time, ongoing supply chain challenges—including port congestion, trucking shortages, and increased demand—continue to affect the availability of vineyard supplies. To help avoid delays during the busiest months in the vineyard, we strongly encourage growers to pre-order canopy management and bird control materials early.
If you need help planning or sourcing supplies, give us a call at 707-963-5354 or reach out online—we’re here to help.
Below are some of the most common spring vineyard practices and the tools needed to support them.
Grape Flowering and Shoot Thinning
Bud break marks the first major stage of the vine cycle that ultimately produces grapes each fall. As new growth emerges, shoots grow rapidly, and by May it’s time to begin tying them between trellis wires. Several canopy management practices must be completed each year to maintain crop balance and produce high-quality fruit.
As flowering—or blossom—begins in late spring, typically 40–80 days after bud break, activities such as leaf pulling and shoot thinning become essential. These practices help:
Increase air circulation within the canopy
Improve light penetration to the fruit zone
Reduce pest and disease pressure
Prevent sunburn on grape clusters
The amount of fruit produced per cluster varies by grape variety and growing conditions, making canopy management a critical factor in both yield and quality.
Tasks such as leaf trimming, leaf thinning, shoot thinning, shoot positioning, and cluster removal are all part of a successful spring program. To support these efforts, A&J Vineyard Supply stocks:
Canopy management clips
Machetes for manual trimming
Thinning shears and related tools
Having the right tools on hand ensures these critical steps are completed efficiently and at the optimal time.
Bird Control and Netting
Spring and early summer are also key periods for protecting developing fruit from birds. As vines progress toward ripening, bird pressure can increase quickly and cause significant crop loss if left unmanaged.
To avoid supply shortages during peak demand, we recommend pre-ordering bird control materials such as:
Bird netting (side netting or over-the-row)
Shade cloth
Bread clips
Reflective bird scare tape
Early planning helps ensure your vineyard is fully protected when birds become active.
Prepare Early with A&J Vineyard Supply
Spring moves fast in the vineyard, and having the right supplies ready ahead of time can make all the difference. Whether you’re managing canopy growth, preparing for flowering, or building a bird control strategy, A&J Vineyard Supply is here to support your operation.
Call us at 707-963-5354 or contact us online to place your order or ask a question
