As the vibrant hues of spring paint our vineyards with renewed life, it is an ideal time to delve into the mesmerising world of early shoot and leaf growth in vineyards. Understanding this crucial stage is like appreciating the overture to a symphony. In the heart of the vineyard, new shoots burst forth from dormant buds. These tiny, tender green fingers symbolize the promise of a new vintage. Early shoot growth, or budbreak, is the point where dormant vines awaken, thanks to warming temperatures. It is an exciting phase, as it marks the beginning of the growing season. The vine’s energy reserves, stored during the previous year, fuel this initial burst of growth.nn nnWhat is particularly intriguing is how precision viticulture plays a role in this stage. Precision viticulture is like the conductor of our vineyard symphony, orchestrating every detail with finesse. It is a modern approach that employs technology and data to optimize vineyard practices. During early shoot and leaf growth, precision viticulture plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and productivity of the vineyard.nn nnOur Viticulturist, Christo Crous monitors temperature, soil moisture, nutrient levels, and canopy health in addition to other factors, ensuring optimal conditions for growth. This information helps the team make informed decisions about irrigation (on new vineyard blocks) and nutrient management, ensuring that the vines receive precisely what they need for optimal growth. As the tiny leaves unfurl, their surface area increases, capturing the sunlight needed for photosynthesis, which in turn fuels the growth of the vine. It’s a delicate ballet between nature and human intervention, with precision viticulture ensuring each dancer plays their part to perfection.nn nnOne example of precision viticulture can be found within a process called “suckering”, which ensures the removal of weak, poorly located or too vigorous vine shoots. We will sucker quite early on Chardonnay, Chenin, and Merlot with two shoots per position. The other grape varieties are suckered later in the season. Should one shoot be longer than the other, we will pinch the top of that shoot off to allow the other to catch up to create homogenous development on the vine. We do this every week on each block. So, as you can imagine, this activity alone very quickly becomes a full-time job.nn nnThe precision of viticulture, with its technological advancements, ensures that every vine can flourish. It is the meeting point of tradition and innovation, where every grape is a testament to the dedication of Christo and his vineyard team and the decisions that will ultimately lead to the harvest.