MATHIS

Springtime busy-ness in the Mathis Vineyard: The vines are growing at a good clip. But what about the fruit?

Grapes start their life first as a flower. But why explain it when I can show you much better:

Things are getting underway at Mathis Vineyard in the spring. Get a sneak peek:

Curious how the vines develop through the growing season? Here's a quick look at how they're developing right now: 

Stay tuned! The fantastic 2013 Mathis Rosé de Grenache will be released for sale on Monday, May 5th! (What a way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.) Time to stock up.

 

What's the key to successful pruning? Easy answer: Chema Jimenez - My Main Man! For one thing Chema has the right tools for the job--nice Felco #12 pruning shears. Take a look:

Spring's just arrived, but my winter pruning is just finishing up! How does Mathis Vineyard get pruned? Carefully, of course! Here's a quick video providing the basics:

Winter brought the minutest amount of rain this year. But when it came, it packed a punch and down came one of the oaks bordering the vineyard. Take a look at how I deal with this problem...

Here's the last of my videos on how I use my Kubota tractor for the winter cover crop planting in the vineyard. As the rains arrive (and hopefully some heat since it's been extremely cold) the seeds will germinate, generating plant material that I will till into the soil come spring as organic fertilizer. Take a look...

 

View episodes #1 through #3 of The Tractor Chronicles here.

Part fantasy, part oh-so-true! Here's a little fun Mathis-style Thanksgiving video. (I highly recommend you click on the full screen view in the bottom right corner and turn up your speakers!)