My walking partner was thinking that after my last post I'd be suggesting that we go out to a vineyard for a walk. Today was her first day back in town, and sure enough, I suggested we head out for a vineyard walk. I can't help it, when the weather turns beautiful I want to walk through the vines.
On Sunday, March 17th at 7:00 PM the Occasional Quartet of which I am a part, is doing a fundraiser for the Chaplain's Pantry Program. The concert will also feature the Humlie's and will take place at The Venue. We need some wine to serve, so I suggested we head out to Yamhill Valley Vineyards. My friend, Bill, had shared that they were having an amazing sale on Pinot Blanc. Sure enough, they are selling what they have left for $60 a case! After our purchase we strike up a conversation about the trellising system at Yamhill Valley Vineyard with a gentleman who is preparing to feed the koi in the fishpond out front.
It turns out we were talking to the owner of the vineyard, Denis Burger. They have some old vines right next to the tasting room. They are trellised up high, and are planted about six feet apart. Most newer vineyards are planted more like three feet apart and the vines are only about 18 inches tall. These vines are three feet tall.
Denis says they are pruning out on the western edge of the vineyard and invites us to walk out and see the progress. So we head out and are greeted by Sophia, the faithful sheep dog who defends the place. We learn that they do the pruning in two passes. First they take off all of the vines they no longer need. It is amazing how much they remove, and how quickly they do it. 
When the work is all finished the vineyard looks so clean and neat. I love the pattern of the vines all lined up with canes all neatly trained along their wire. I asked how many rows each person will prune in a day. They said they can do up to six. "Your back and shoulders are a bit tired the first few days out, but then you get use to it." I can imagine.
Yamhill Valley Vineyards has such beautiful grounds. There are beautiful oak trees like the one at the top of the page which frames the road near the winery building. Maybe we'll head out to a vineyard every Friday. The koi have been resting at the bottom of the pond all winter and today was the first day that they came to the surface of the pond to be fed. It's a sure sign that spring must be here. Well, that and the bright yellow orb in the sky.
