Understanding the lifecycle of a grapevine and how it changes throughout the seasons in Australia is crucial to appreciating viticulture.
The journey of transforming grapes into wine is a year-long adventure marked by the changing seasons. Each season brings its own challenges and rewards, shaping the vines and the wine they produce.
Here is an outline of what to expect from a vineyard throughout the seasons. For a more detailed review of each season – including tips, tricks, best varieties – select read more.
Summer: December to February
Summer in Australia is a time of rapid growth in the vineyard. The vines, lush and green, are busy photosynthesizing, turning sunlight into energy that fuels the development of grapes.
To maintain the growth and vigilance of the grapes, a winery will undertake canopy management, irrigation and water management, and pest and disease control… READ MORE
Autumn: March to May
Autumn is the most anticipated season in the vineyard – it’s harvest time in Australia. This is when all our hard work throughout the year comes to fruition.
During this harvest season wineries will monitor the ripening of grapes, pick their grapes, and immediately process them… READ MORE
Winter: June to August
Winter in the vineyard is a time of rest and renewal. The vines enter dormancy from the previous seasons harvest, this is to conserve their energy for the next growing season.
The main task in winter is to prune the vines from the previous season and make them ready for the next, wineries will also take take this time to improve soil health and plan for the upcoming season… READ MORE
Spring: September to November
Spring time in Australia reflects the rebirth and preparation period of the wine making journey, from September til November. As temperatures rise, the vines awaken from their winter slumber.
During this season wineries can expect their buds to swell and burst, they are protected as they are still young and need training in this seasons to optimise for sun exposure… READ MORE
