If you are a Missouri wine enthusiast, you may have heard the term ‘pruning’ when discussing grapevines. Pruning is a crucial part of maintaining a healthy and productive vineyard as it is essential for producing quality grapes. Whether you are a casual wine sipper or a connoisseur, understanding the importance of pruning can enhance your appreciation of the wine in your glass.

The purpose of pruning is to get the maximum yields of juice and to have adequate vegetative growth for the upcoming season. Dormant vines are pruned in late January until March. If pruned too early, a hard frost can damage the buds and canes.

Several different pruning techniques are commonly used in Missouri: Cane Pruning, Spur Pruning and Machine Pruning.

Cane pruning involves cutting the vine down to at least one cane that will produce new shoots in the upcoming season. The canes that are cut will not be fruitful.

Spur pruning involves retaining two to four buds off young canes. When pruning, the spurs should be spaced out evenly. Old canes will not be fruitful and not kept.

Machine pruning is a technique that has gained popularity in recent years. It involves the use of specialized equipment to trim grapevines, usually during the dormant season. The machine prunes the vines by cutting off the old growth and shaping the remaining canes. This method is efficient and cost-effective, as it saves time and labor compared to manual pruning.  

If left unpruned, the number of grape clusters would be excessive. The vines would be unable to sustain the growth. Additionally, the vines would become unruly and tangled. Grape clusters would become hidden under thick layers of leaves, making it so that the grapes would not ripen. If the vines are not tended to, the clusters will be enjoyed by wildlife and not in a bottle of vino. 

Pruning grapevines is an essential aspect of growing healthy and productive grapevines. The next time you open a bottle of Missouri wine, thank those working in the cold to ensure we can enjoy the fruits of their labor.

Want to learn more about the lifecycle of a grapevine? Click here to watch the video!

New Year resolutions are a time-honored tradition that many people use to mark the beginning of a new year, and to set goals for self-improvement. One resolution that might surprise you is to try more Missouri wine! With more than 125 wineries and vineyards scattered throughout the state, there's no shortage of variety when it comes to Missouri wine.

If your resolution is to become more familiar with Missouri wine (and we hope it is) here are some ideas to get you started!

Sign up for Rewards Uncorked: Visit wineries, earn points and get rewarded. It’s that easy!

Cook with Missouri Wine: Missouri wines can greatly enhance the taste of your favorite food dishes. Dry or sweet wines can help bring out new flavors. Missouri’s fruit wines are incredibly food friendly when it comes to baking sweet treats too.

Explore one of the 9 Wine Trails: Missouri offers 9 different wine trails. Plan the perfect trip by visiting one of the wine trails and seeing all that it has to offer, including wine tasting, food and amazing vineyard views.

Try a new Missouri wine varietal: Trying a new Missouri wine varietal can be an exciting and enjoyable experience for wine enthusiasts. With a variety of grape cultivars grown in the region, there is always something new to discover and savor. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, the Missouri wine scene has something for everyone to explore.

Host your own wine tasting: Hosting your own wine tasting can be a fun and educational experience. You can invite friends over and have them bring a bottle of their favorite wine to share. It's a great opportunity to learn about different types of wine, how to properly taste and pair them with food, and to enjoy the company of friends.

Try a new winery: Visiting a new Missouri winery can be a wonderful experience for wine enthusiasts and novice tasters alike. From the stunning scenery of the vineyards to the rich flavors of the wine, each winery offers a unique and memorable experience.

Attend Wine Country Events: Attending events in Missouri wine country is an exciting way to explore the region and learn about its rich viticultural history. You can join the winery events and participate in grape harvests, wine tastings, and vineyard tours to get a hands-on experience of the winemaking process. Additionally, you will get the opportunity to try various wines made with locally grown grapes and meet other wine enthusiasts who share your passion.

Cheers to 2024 in Missouri wine country!