All the behind-the-scenes work that goes on in the vineyards in preparation for the fall harvest and crush is truly extensive. With all the terroir growing advantages, Calistoga winemakers point out that great wine is created primarily on the vine, with their contribution building off this foundation. A month-by- month overview of the key activities in the vineyard and winery are as follows:
January
- Pruning the vines
- Frost control measures
February
Continued pruning
March
Bud break
April
Continued frost control which usually ends this month
May
Flowering
June
Removal of leaves, weak clusters and shoots
July
August
Veraison – the French term for the time when color appears in the grapes