But for our team, this is one of the most important seasons of the year. While the vines recharge, we get to work behind the scenes, laying the groundwork for a strong and sustainable growing season ahead.
Much of the work we do in winter is about renewal — not just for the vines, but for the soil, the infrastructure, and the broader vineyard system. This is the season where thoughtful investment in maintenance, soil health and planning quietly shapes the quality of the fruit we’ll harvest months from now.
Winter pruning is the cornerstone of a healthy, balanced crop. It sets the tone for the entire season, influencing how much fruit each vine will carry, how well the canopy will grow, and how air and light will move through the block. Pruning also helps us manage disease risk and vine vigour. Each block within a vineyard has its own unique character, so we take the time to consider site history, block performance and seasonal trends before making the first cut.
While our pruning crews are in the vineyard, it’s also a chance to assess and maintain infrastructure. Posts that have shifted or snapped over the season are removed and replaced, reinforcing the backbone of the trellis system. At the same time, we move and retention the wires — often a subtle task, but one that pays off in spring when young shoots need support. These quiet fixes may seem small, but they make a big difference during budburst, canopy management and harvest.
Once pruning is underway, attention turns to the soil. At Pridham Viticulture, we take a regenerative approach — building healthy soils that retain water, cycle nutrients, and support biodiversity. Over winter, we spread organic-based fertilisers tailored to the needs of each block, replenishing what the vines have used over the previous season. Mulching plays a key role too, helping retain moisture, suppress weeds, and create a protective buffer for soil life.
In suitable areas, we also plant cover crops — carefully selected mixes of legumes, cereals, and grasses. These plants are more than just green groundcover; they actively work to improve soil structure, fix nitrogen, and prevent erosion. Once established, cover crops create a living link between seasons, adding organic matter and strengthening the root zone.
All of this work supports our long-term goal: vineyards that are not only productive but ecologically resilient.
With the vines at rest, winter provides a window to make larger infrastructure changes without disrupting vineyard operations. We often use this time to assess and repair irrigation systems, replacing lines, flushing out emitters, or redesigning layouts to improve water use efficiency. These works are easier to complete now than in the middle of summer when every drop counts.
In recent years, more of our clients have chosen to make broader vineyard upgrades during this window — whether that’s reworking a block layout, converting to new trellis configurations, or trialling new varieties. Winter gives us the breathing space to approach these projects properly, without interfering with the growing season.
Winter weeds can gain a foothold quickly if left unchecked. We aim to manage them early using a mix of mechanical control and targeted spraying, depending on site conditions and client preference. Mechanical weeding helps reduce herbicide reliance and keeps soil biology more intact, especially important when working toward a more regenerative system. Keeping weeds down in winter also reduces pressure in spring, saving time and input costs later on.
No two winters are exactly the same, but the core of our approach stays consistent. We use this season to invest in vineyard health, build stronger systems, and make careful choices that support both productivity and sustainability.
Every post replaced, every wire tensioned, every handful of mulch or seed sown is part of a broader commitment to farming in a way that cares for the land. Winter work might not be the most visible part of the season, but it’s the foundation everything else is built on. All of this winter vineyard work adds up to healthier vines, better fruit, and a system that can adapt to whatever the season brings. Our approach is grounded in regenerative principles and aligned with national frameworks like Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
If you’re looking ahead to winter works in your own vineyard, or simply curious about how we support vine health year-round, we’d love to have a conversation.