Grapevines love to grow upward. Thanks to auxin, the strongest growth usually happens at the highest points, which can lead to long shoots, lots of leaves, and uneven fruiting.
To counter this, grapevines are trained so that the yearly shoots start at roughly the same height. In the first years, you build a strong, horizontal main framework. This spreads growth energy sideways instead of upward and creates a more even playing field for new shoots.
During the growing season, let the annual shoots grow until they have flowered. After that, you can pinch or top them, leaving one or two grape clusters per shoot. This shifts energy from endless shoot growth into ripening fruit.
In winter, those same shoots are cut back hard. You keep just a couple of buds on each spur, which will become next year’s shoots. This yearly reset keeps the vine productive without becoming tangled or overly vigorous.
Seen as a system, grape pruning is about managing hormones, light, and energy flow. A well-balanced vine feeds its roots steadily, supports soil life, and rewards you with healthier plants and better grapes year after year.
