As the vines awaken from winter’s slumber and new growth bursts into life, the winemaker’s year truly steps up a gear or two. Everything we do during this time lays the groundwork for a successful harvest and, ultimately, spectacular wines. 

Whilst spring normally means bees, birds and winds pollinating flowers for growth, grapevines need none of that. Vines are self-pollinating; this means each flower carries the male and female reproductive characteristics and can fertilise themselves. 

One of the first signs of spring at All Saints Estate is the emergence of fresh green shoots and buds on the vines that swell and burst open – we call this budburst. White varieties burst first around September, then our reds and finally our fortified varieties. Pruning is essential during this time to balance the vine’s canopy and encourage healthy new growth. In Rutherglen, with its warm climate and old vines - some over a century old - pruning is performed carefully to maintain the character and quality of the historic vineyards, which have been producing iconic wines for generations. Pruning or shoot thinning also helps to concentrate the vine’s energy on producing high quality grapes rather than huge quantities of ordinary grapes. 

We keep a careful eye on the delicate young shoots as they are highly susceptible to spring frosts, pests and diseases which can devastate the year’s crop. We’re always on the lookout for signs of mildew, insects, or other threats from the warmer weather and higher humidity. 

Canopy management is also a crucial job during spring - leaf plucking isn’t just for tea crops. At All Saints Estate, we pluck leaves around the grape clusters to improve air circulation and sunlight exposure for even ripening of the grapes and to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. We also help the vines by training shoots onto trellises, so they are positioned for maximum sunlight exposure and healthy airflow. 

There wouldn’t be new life on the vines if we didn’t nurture the soil too. Rutherglen’s gold-rich soils, coupled with the region’s warm days and cool nights, lend a unique character to our grapes. Soil and leaf analysis tell us if we need to boost nutrients through compost or other organic matter to support vine growth and fruit development. We may also plant cover crops between rows to improve soil structure, attract beneficial insects, and enhance the vineyard ecosystem. Water is always a factor in Australia and we need to constantly adjust our irrigation schedules based on Rutherglen’s weather conditions to achieve the right balance of water without excessive stress or waterlogging. 

Every decision made in spring shapes the vintage to come, and each day is filled with hands-on care, constant learning, and a deep connection to the rhythms of the land.