From Vine to Bottle: How Spring Shapes the Winemaking Process
31st March 2025
As we shake off the chill of winter and step into the freshness of spring, it’s the perfect time to talk about how this season influences the journey from grapevine to your glass. Spring is not just about blooming flowers; it's also a critical time for winemakers who are busy setting the stage for the year's vintage. Let’s delve into the essence of spring in winemaking and explore some must-try wines that perfectly capture the spirit of the season.
Why Does Spring Matter So Much to Winemakers?
Spring is a crucial time for winemakers, and it all begins with something called "Bud Break." This is when the grapevines emerge from their winter sleep and begin to sprout new green shoots. It's a bit like the vines stretching their arms after a long nap!
Bud Break is the first stage of the vine’s annual cycle, and everything that happens during this crucial stage can affect the wine you drink later. As vines begin to bloom and produce flowers that eventually become grapes, any change in weather conditions during this time can have a significant impact on the quantity and quality of the harvest. You may have seen images in the media of thousands of candles or small fires being burned in the vineyards of Burgundy, for example, where Spring frosts threaten to damage new shoots and flowers. They literally light fires to save our wine!
So, spring isn’t just important; it’s crucial for setting up a successful year. If the vines emerge healthy and happy through spring and the winemakers closely monitor their vines, adapting to any changes, it’s the first step in ensuring the wine turns out great!
Why Choose Seasonal Wines?
Selecting wines that pair well with the seasons isn’t just a clever trick; it can truly enhance your meals and complement the overall ambiance of your spring gatherings. Spring wines are generally lighter and fresher, complementing the season's food and mood. These wines also pair beautifully with typical spring moments, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to your experiences.
If you’re planning a cool evening in the garden with friends, consider serving a light-bodied Pinot Noir or a floral Viognier. Beach BBQs, on the other hand, are perfect for a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé that can cut through the smoky flavours of grilled foods, all while you cosy up under a blanket watching the sunset. Lastly, dinner parties that stretch into the lighter evenings of Spring benefit from versatile wines like Chardonnay or a sparkling Prosecco, which can elevate a variety of dishes from appetisers through to desserts.
Tips for Choosing the Best Spring Wine?
When selecting a spring wine, it’s essential to consider balance. You want something that’ll refresh but also complement the flavours of seasonal dishes. Think fresh herbs, green veggies, and lighter meats like chicken or fish. And, of course, where you get your wine matters, so opt for regions known for their vibrant, aromatic whites and rosés. If you’re seeking wines to highlight the essence of spring's fresh produce, the Loire Valley in France is a prime destination. It is revered for its vibrant Sauvignon Blancs and Chenin Blancs, which pair perfectly with seasonal vegetables and seafood.
If your spring moments call for elegant yet casual gatherings, look no further than Provence, France. This region is the quintessential source of exquisite rosés, which balance light, dry textures with subtle spices ideally suited for warmer-weather activities.
Vineyard to Shop
We love Springtime, and it’s not just because of the warmer and drier weather! It’s when suppliers and wineries host their annual spring tastings to showcase new wines and newly released vintages. It’s also when we receive a deluge of samples in the post to try as a team. It is our responsibility to sample as many wines (as well as beers and spirits) as possible, selecting only those we believe are the best for our customers. It's such a great opportunity to try new products released onto the market, experience new innovations, and explore emerging trends. You never know what you’ll taste, who you’ll meet or what you’ll discover next!
So, what will you be sipping on this Spring?
