Cabernet Sauvignon Vine Pruning Grape Farming on Moon Mountain

This vineyard is a hidden gem, situated at roughly 1,900 feet in the emerging Moon Mountain District AVA on the Sonoma side of the Mayacamas Mountains. Its proximity to the famed Montecillo Vineyard ques one into the potential for this site. It's a place where the air is crisp, the views are breathtaking, and the terroir is truly unique. Bordering the famed Napa Valley AVA of Mt. Veeder, Lupin Ridge benefits from a similar climate, but its western-facing exposure adds a distinctive touch with long, afternoon light. 

Moon Mountain soils are a mosaic consisting of volcanic rock, well-drained gravelly slopes and clay-rich pockets. These geological variations, combined with Lupin Ridge's elevation, create an intricate tapestry that's ideal for cultivating premium Cabernet Sauvignon. The vineyard exclusively features clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, known for producing tiny, thick-skinned berries bursting with intense flavor. The warm days, cool nights, and constant gentle breezes of Moon Mountain work in harmony to ripen Cabernet grapes fully while preserving their bright acidity.

We're committed to practices that ensure the vibrancy and health of our soils, nurturing an environment where our vines can thrive for decades to come. From implementing cover cropping to composting, every decision we make in the vineyard is guided by a deep respect for the land and a desire to grow fruit that authentically reflects the remarkable terroir.

During winter, grape vines enter a period of dormancy where growth ceases and the vine conserves energy. This dormant phase is essential for vine and soil health, allowing the plant to rest and recover after the rigors of the growing season. Pruning during this time is particularly beneficial, as it stimulates new growth and rejuvenates the vine for the upcoming year. Pruning removes vine canes that grew the previous year. Doing so allows us to train the vine to put its energy into growing a smaller number of buds, eventually grape clusters, in the coming season. Through meticulous pruning, we can control vine vigor, manage crop load, and promote the health and longevity of the vines.

At the Lupin Ridge Vineyard, we employ spur pruning. This technique involves the careful selection and retention of woody spurs from the previous year's growth, which have tiny, dormant buds that will flower and become grape clusters with the warmth of spring. We carefully choose the best canes to cut into spurs that will shape the vine’s growth in the coming year.

The significance of spur pruning lies in its ability to achieve a harmonious balance between bud numbers and the vine's capacity for fruit production. By selecting specific spurs and strategically positioning them along the vine's wire trellis system, we can optimize fruit quality and vine health. This process not only influences the quantity of shoots and clusters but also plays a crucial role in shaping the vine's canopy, ensuring optimal sunlight exposure and airflow.

This, in turn, promotes optimal ripening of grapes and enhances flavor concentration in the fruit. Pruning plays a vital role in shaping the vine's canopy, ensuring that sunlight penetrates evenly throughout the vineyard, which is crucial for photosynthesis and grape development.

I take immense pride in the craftsmanship and dedication that goes into every aspect of our winemaking process, particularly the farming where we can control it. From the rocky slopes of Lupin Ridge to the bottle on your table, our wines are a reflection of the passion and craft that define Stringer Cellars.