Pruning Season Begins with Pinot Noir
As winter settles in, the vineyard is alive with the quiet buzz of preparation for the upcoming growing season. Our vineyard manager has begun pruning our Pinot Noir vines. He trims the canes, setting the stage for another promising vintage. Each vine is pruned by hand in a labor of love.
Why Do We Prune? Pruning is one of the most critical vineyard tasks of the year. By cutting back last season’s growth, we encourage the vine to focus its energy on producing high-quality fruit rather than excessive foliage. This process helps maintain vine health, balance, and yield consistency. Proper pruning also improves airflow and sun exposure, reducing the risk of disease and ensuring even ripening.
Why Start with Pinot Noir? Pinot Noir is always the first to be pruned in our vineyard for a couple of key reasons. First, it is an early-budding variety, meaning it wakes up from dormancy sooner than other grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. By pruning it early, we help manage the timing of bud break and promote even growth. Second, Pinot Noir vines tend to be more delicate and require precise pruning techniques to optimize fruit quality and structure.
Tasting Room is open from 12-5pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday
The Webstore is always open. Check it out for all our selections.
2021 Old School Cabernet @ $25!
Valentine’s 3 Pack @ $79!
Tasting the 2014 Teacher’s Pet Chardonnay
We’re excited to dig into our cellar and revisit the 2014 Teacher’s Pet Chardonnay. We’ve added it to our Advanced Studies Tasting Flight!
A decade of aging has transformed this wine, developing deeper complexity and nuanced flavors. Older Chardonnays often evolve from their youthful citrus and tropical fruit notes into richer characteristics like baked apple, roasted nuts, honey, and even a touch of butterscotch or crème brûlée. The acidity softens slightly, but a well-made Chardonnay retains its structure and balance. We can’t wait to share this special vintage and see how time has shaped it.
Wine & Chocolate Weekend – Feb 14th-17th
Chocolate-paired Tasting at Burrell School
Monday, February 17th – Tasting Room open for President’s Day
Saturday, February 8th, Capitola Sip & Stroll
Saturday, February 22nd, Passport Celebration Day
Saturday, March 30th, Santa Cruz Mountains Grand Tasting
Sippers, we have your February wines ready for pickup.
2021 Merlot “Honor Roll”, 2021 Cab Franc “Extra Credit” & 2021 Cab Franc/Merlot “Sweethearts”.
Come on up for a visit. You are welcome to bring friends. Complimentary tasting for you and up to three guests!
Interested in joining our Sippers or Library Reserve Clubs? Click here for more information and to sign up!
We love to share our special location! Family dinner, birthday party, small wedding coming up? We have the perfect venue for you!
For more information, feel free to email us at info@burrellschool.com or give us a call at 408-353-6290.
Happy Sipping ~ The Burrell School Family