Spring in Uco Valley: What’s happening in our vineyards this October
While fall settles in across the US, spring is waking up in Mendoza — this year, with more rain than usual, as the El Niño climate phenomenon brings wetter conditions to the region. In the Uco Valley, October brings new shoots, longer days, and plenty of work to prepare our vines for the coming season: from soil management and monitoring vine health to maintaining irrigation systems and attending to the specific needs of each plant as it develops.
Taking care of the soil
Healthy vines start with healthy soil. We manage weeds throughout the vineyard, combining mechanical and manual methods to keep them under control while preserving native vegetation between the rows. It’s all about finding the right balance: giving the vines what they need while taking care of the land they grow in.
Keeping our vines healthy
Spring means new growth, and that means keeping a close eye on the vines. We regularly monitor for pests and diseases, using targeted treatments only when necessary. From grapevine moths to fungal threats, the goal is to protect the vines while minimizing our impact on the vineyard’s biodiversity.
Watering with care
Water is precious in Mendoza, so irrigation requires constant attention. We adjust watering to the vines’ needs and the weather, while keeping our irrigation systems in good condition. We also monitor the plants’ nutritional needs and use organic fertilizers where necessary to support healthy, balanced growth.
Preparing for the season ahead
A healthy vineyard depends on more than what happens above ground. We replace young vines that haven’t established successfully and maintain the trellis systems that support their growth. These small but essential tasks help keep the vineyard healthy and ready for the seasons to come.
Every season has its rhythm
There’s always something happening in the vineyard, even when it goes unnoticed. This October, as spring unfolds in the Uco Valley, our focus is on nurturing new growth and giving our vines the best possible start to the season.
Meanwhile, fall is settling in across the US. Different seasons, different rhythms, but one thing remains the same: good wine starts long before it reaches your glass.
That’s the wild beauty of wine.