From hibernation to spring tiredness? Not at all.
Our year starts with the pruning after January 6th. We have been cutting for over 7 years according to the “gentle pruning technique”, which meticulously ensures that each vine is cut according to its power and water supply. Each stick counts and is processed individually according to its predisposition. A trained eye and a skilful handgrip are necessary for the quality of the grapes at the end of the season. The shoot is then tied uphill to the wire frame. Uphill therefore, so that the wind or storm can not overturn the stick, and by uphill climbing, each eye is well supplied with nutrients. Sticks and wire are repaired, vines are replanted when there have been failures, all by hand and with many steps.
As part of our Wildwux project, we also set cherry trees and nut trees to preserve the region’s variety in the vineyard.
In between, and of course tuned to the lunar phase, the new vintage is getting bottled. The wines are filtered before filling. A fining is not necessary due to the balance in the vineyard, which according to Demeter guidelines would even not be allowed. If the soil is healthy and balanced, the vine is fine, the vine is well cared for and in balance, so you will find the harmony in the wine. Everything is simple and yet this is a very complex topic.
And so we start the groundwork again in the spring. Every 2nd row is broken up and planted again with a site-adapted sowing. Soon you will see buckwheat, vetch, clover, phacelia, cress and many more flourishing among the vines. A blooming that creates habitat for insects, a root system that allows life in the soil. The biodynamic preparation 500 (cow horn dung preparation) and nettle tea are dripped on the ground, compost is discharged to promote the soil activity. The compost is mainly produced in the yard. Not only do our chickens lay happy eggs, they also produce the dung that is so precious to our soils. The sheep, goats and pigs added to the farm recently also provide us with the basis for a good compost. They grin and grin and attract many people who come to the “Ranch” to feed, caress and simply want to experience the cycle of nature.
