Spring Pruning in the Uplands: Setting the Stage for a New Growing Season

As the last signs of winter fade and the days grow longer, the vineyards of Indiana Uplands Wine Country begin to stir. Buds haven’t quite broken open, but the vines are waking up—and that means it’s time for one of the most important tasks of the season: early spring pruning.

This careful, hands-on work shapes the vineyard for the months ahead. Growers walk the rows with pruning shears in hand, removing old canes and selecting the shoots that will bear this year’s fruit. Every cut is a strategic decision, made to balance the growth of the vine, control the yield, and support the production of high-quality grapes.

Unlike winter pruning, which may begin while vines are still fully dormant, early spring pruning happens just before bud break—a window when the risks of severe cold have passed but new growth hasn’t fully started. This timing helps protect the vines from late frost damage and ensures that the strongest buds are preserved.

Pruning methods vary from winery to winery, depending on factors like grape variety, vine age, and vineyard layout. Some vines are trained with spur pruning along permanent arms, while others are cut back more drastically to encourage fresh growth from a single cane. Regardless of the technique, the goal is the same: to set each vine up for a balanced, healthy growing season.

So the next time you’re visiting a winery in the Indiana Uplands, take a moment to look at the vines. You may not see lush green leaves yet, but beneath the surface, the season is already beginning—one thoughtful cut at a time.