Pruning weather

Despite the earth's warming overall, we've been having a cold snap. But it has also been sunny and relatively still, so we managed to get started on some of the pruning. It's a little early according to the French, who wait until St Vincent's feast day later in January. Saint-Vincent was a deacon, a martyr of the Church of Saragossa, Spain, who lived during the fourth century. He is now regarded as the patron saint and protector of winemakers. Yes, the connection between Vin-cent and wine (vin in French) is now clear. 

Alex started with the Rondo and I started with the Pinot Noir because I can reach it more easily. He prunes each vine to its perfect form, while I do it in stages. These vines, which grew vigorously this year. need first a pruning of the obvious. The second pruning is when you can see the potential primaries more easily and you can then decide which one to select. All the others go at this stage. 

We also finished pruning the crabapple but have not gone on to the other apple trees. Later this week, it is to get warmer so it will be easier to work up there.