Linden Update | February 4, 2026
Pruning in the Snow
We are having an old-fashioned winter. Bone chilling cold, gusty winds and snow that stays. Through all of this the vines should be OK. The timing of the cold is ideal. In the dead of winter the vines are very cold hardy. It would take temperatures below 0°F to make us worry. Vines don't care about wind chill. Snow gives an extra protection to the base of vine where the tender graft union is located.
However, the winegrower is not so OK. Pruning has slowed considerably. We've had to pick weather windows of opportunity to get out there. When we do venture out into the vines lots of things slow us down.
Ice. A helmet of ice has formed on the snow making vehicle access to the outer blocks inaccessible. Walking is dangerous on any kind of slope. We do use ice traction cords strapped to the bottom of our boots that make it possible to prune the more gently sloped vineyard blocks. Just don't drop anything. After a thaw, sunglasses and disinfectant spray bottles have been retrieved at the very bottom of the vineyard.
Sun. The sun warms the body and the soul. In the morning we'll often choose to prune rows where we can face east, taking in the warmth of the rising sun. Our backs then also break the chill of the westerly winds. Sun on snow can be a problem as the reflected light is blinding. Eyeballs burn making sunglasses necessary. But then we can only see the silhouette of the canes. Pruning requires us to determine bud direction and the health of the cane which can be difficult.
Cold. We have the clothing to handle just about any temperature or windchill, but at a certain point one has to ask: why? The more padding and insulation the harder it is to move. Pruning wearing padded gloves is awkward and tiresome. Heavy duty coveralls are warm but exhausting to maneuver in. Sub zero boots keep the toes toasty but make walking in the ice and snow challenging.
There are times when paperwork looks attractive.
Visiting in the Snow
Not all our vineyard blocks are accessible for pruning, but the tasting room is. The roads are clear. The fire is going every day. It is quite beautiful. Come visit this February for our in depth tasting on Chardonnays and Avenius Reds.
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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Update: February 4, 2026