Spring Forward: What Happens in the Vineyard as the Growing Season Begins
- Ashley
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
As we “spring forward” each March, the change isn’t just happening on our clocks — it’s happening quietly throughout the vineyard as well. After months of winter dormancy, the vines at Vineyard Grant James begin preparing for the next growing season, marking one of the most exciting transitions in the winemaking year.
While the vineyard may still look peaceful at first glance, behind the scenes this is a critical time that helps shape the wines you’ll enjoy in the years ahead.
From Dormancy to New Life
During winter, grapevines rest and conserve energy. As temperatures begin to warm and daylight increases, the vines slowly wake up. The first major milestone we watch for is bud break, when tiny green shoots begin emerging along the vine. These early signs of growth signal the official start of the new vintage.
Because these shoots are delicate, spring weather plays a major role. Vineyard teams closely monitor temperatures, rainfall, and wind conditions, ensuring the vines remain protected during this important early phase.
The Importance of Winter Pruning
Leading into spring, careful pruning helps determine how each vine will grow throughout the season. This process controls crop levels, improves vine balance, and ultimately influences fruit quality. Every decision made during pruning contributes to the structure, flavor concentration, and aging potential of the wines that will be produced from that vintage.
What Guests Notice When Visiting in Early Spring
Visitors to the vineyard during March and April often notice subtle but beautiful changes:
Newly pruned vines lined neatly across the rows
Early green buds beginning to appear
Crisp mornings giving way to sunny afternoons
A quiet sense of anticipation as the season begins
Spring is one of the most peaceful and scenic times to experience the vineyard, offering a glimpse into the early stages of the winemaking journey.
Wines to Enjoy While We Wait for the New Vintage
While the new vintage begins its journey in the vineyard, it’s the perfect time to enjoy wines currently in bottle. Spring weather pairs beautifully with versatile favorites like rosé, bright whites, and medium-bodied reds that complement patio lunches, picnics, and outdoor gatherings with friends.
Experience Spring at Vineyard Grant James
Spring is one of the most exciting times to visit the vineyard, and this season we’re inviting guests to go even deeper into the winemaking journey with three special experiences designed to connect you to our wines, our process, and the vineyard itself.
March 22 | 1:00 PM
Step into our wine library and taste a selection of rare, limited, and nearly sold-out vintages while learning how each wine has evolved over time. This guided tasting explores the stories behind these special bottles — and once they’re gone, they’re gone.
April 19 | 1:00 PM
Join owner and winemaker Susanne Sapier inside the barrel room for a behind-the-scenes conversation about wine aging, blending decisions, and what happens between fermentation and bottling. Guests may even have the opportunity to taste wine directly from the barrel.
May 24 | 1:00 PM
Celebrate the beauty of the growing season with a guided walk through the vineyard, learning about pruning, bud break, and early vine development. Along the way, enjoy curated tastings that finish with a relaxing patio gathering and seasonal pairings.
These events offer a unique opportunity to see the vineyard come to life and experience the wines in new and meaningful ways. Visit our events page to learn more and reserve your spot — we would love to share the season with you.
We look forward to sharing the season with you — one glass at a time.
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