Experience a growing season with DWC’s eclectic grower Phil Davis. Follow a vineyard from dormant vine pruning to harvest, with the possibility of spontaneous dancing happening in the damnedest of places. Small groups will be working with labrusca (concord and niagra) for a feel of the native, and Pinot Noir the classic vinifera vibe.

5 dates throughout the year starting in April with pruning and vine anatomy, and completing in September/October with harvest. Phil will work with a group of only 15, so please sign up early.

Session One: April 3. Vineyard tour and Pruning 101: Form and Function. Learn vine anatomy and pruning techniques for both Umbrella and Scott Henry training styles. Hands-on vine pruning (shears provided) and a little wine drinking.

Session Two: April 24. Trellis Work. Time to tie the pruned canes to the trellis, a further expression of the form we created during the pruning of session one. The purpose of form begins to emerge. Hands-on vine tying and a little wine drinking.

Session Three: June 26. Shoot thinning. Learn selection criteria and listen to explanations of why we are thinning at this stage and how it relates to fruit quality and disease control. Hands-on shoot thinning and a little wine drinking.

Session Four: TBA August. Fruit thinning. See a full-canopy vine nearing its vegetative maturity. Last chance to manually (or womanly)  influence fruit quality. Learn selection criteria with hands-on fruit thinning and a little wine drinking.

Session Five: TBA Sept-Oct. Discuss harvest dates and pick some of the fruits of your labor. Hands-on fruit harvest and stomping with a little wine drinking.

These classes are limited to 15 people and run approximately 1.5 hours . Each session costs $25 per person or $110 per person for the complete course. Dress according to the weather- inclement weather dates will be discussed. Looking forward to working with you!

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