The vintner's year – January

In the vineyard

January is a month of rest for the vines and the grower. This seasonal pause allows the grower a time of reflection rather than reaction to the rapid-fire succession of small problems and decisions during the growing season. In January one goes for a leisurely stroll in the vines. They are no longer clothed in their green foliage. Their nakedness reveals more to the grower's eyes. Young vines are well formed, vigorous and strong. Old vines are hesitant and gnarly showing...