An eye on grapevines in February

A warm welcome to this new story!

Today I’d like to start a series that will accompany us on a monthly basis throughout the year. Are you in to to see your wine grow, develop and change over the seasons?

Isn’t it mind-boggling to watch nature awake after (the European) winter? To witness nature coming into the tender green of spring dotted with rose, red, yellow and white flowers, insects flapping over meadows, birds singing to their fullest?
In summer the light green is turning into a darker heavier one changing into a colourful blast in autumn before going to what looks like a deep sleep at the beginning of winter.

Grapevines are somewhat long sleepers as they normally only start to grow around April. You can watch the buds finally become bigger and you are relieved that the plant made it through winter and now comes alive in a spectacular way. I can’t wait to show you the development of grapevines over the seasons!

Now, let’s be patient, go with nature’s rhythm and start slowly with some impressions of the February light and forms. There might still be some snow, the temperatures may go down below zero during the night and day, but the sun is already shining longer and its power is increasing from day to day.

Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir

Johanniter – a white grape variety

It is the time when Kurt, the wine-grower and farmer, starts cutting the vines of last season and Gina being a wonderful companion, even though she tries to give us a fright here ;0).

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Long cut

Middle length cut Pinot Noir

Classic cut Pinot Noir

Classic cut on Maréchal Foch

Trees are also still scraggy, but mighty and beautiful in their own way of course, especially in the evening light.

The many linden trees on the farm are powerful eye-catchers and name givers: we visit the Lindenhof meaning linden farm.

Linden tree giving the farm its name

The Lindenhof has a stunning vineyard but also tends sheep and cattle. All looked after in a warm-hearted and organic way.

February may still look quiet, but it is a precious time for sheep as it is then when lambs are born. The animals here stay all together as a herd, a ram protecting his herd and reproduction happening naturally. I am advised to be careful when approaching the herd and taking pictures. Being mindful and respectful they let me closing in on them.

Baa! Baa!

Giddy up!

The grass is still short, pale and a bit shy, but look at this buttercup! Taking it all in.

Truly, the light and forms of every season can be so amazing, don’t you think? Now, this was February. I wrap up with some of my fave pics and keep you posted on grapevines & Co.