Viticultural Record2025 Farming Practices

2025  The 2025 growing season will be remembered as one of the finest in recent years at Vine Hill Ranch. Ample winter rainfall replenished soil profiles and set the stage for vigorous spring growth across the ranch. The result was notably large canopies, which required early attention to address airflow through precise shoot positioning and multiple suckering passes. Near-perfect conditions during flowering and fruit set contributed to higher-than-average yields. To maintain vine balance and protect fruit quality, significant thinning took place through July and August. These passes brought yields in line with historical norms and ensured uniform ripening as the season progressed.

The long, cool growing season that followed allowed ripening to proceed at an unhurried pace. Mildew pressure was higher than usual due to persistent humidity, requiring vigilance to preserve fruit health. 

The absence of any significant heat events after veraison afforded winemakers the rare opportunity for generous hang time without corresponding spikes in sugars (Brix). Flavors developed steadily, acids held, and the grapes achieved near-perfect phenolic ripeness alongside moderate resultant alcohols. These wines are already showing lifted aromatics, vivid color, and poised structure characteristic of cooler, longer growing seasons.

Harvest at Vine Hill Ranch began on September 2 in our hillside Block 1 and concluded on October 6 in our benchland Block 5, making it one of the longest harvest seasons in recent years. A series of small rain events during harvest further extended the timeline, particularly for the later-ripening blocks, ultimately contributing to even longer hang time and refined tannin development.

Efforts to manage grapevine red blotch disease remained a priority this season. Extensive LAMP (loop-mediated isothermal amplification) testing of both symptomatic and asymptomatic vines informed timely rogueing of affected vines across the vineyard, supported by close collaboration with neighboring growers. The roughly eight acres removed in prior years were successfully grafted this year, marking a positive step forward in the long-term mitigation of the disease.

Sustainability remained a guiding priority throughout the year. Insectary rows both in and around the vineyard were expanded once again, strengthening beneficial insect populations and enhancing ecological resilience across the ranch. Grazing continued within the vineyard to support soil health and fertility, complementing our ongoing stewardship of the surrounding woodlands and open spaces. Several families of barn owls, whose steady presence helps to keep rodent populations in balance, returned once again this year.