Journal | July 12, 2023
Mowing, Wine, and Climate Change
It is a common practice to grow grass between the vineyard rows. Mowing decisions are not based on aesthetics, but on the vineyard ecosystem. Winegrowers refer to this as vineyard floor management. In a wet season we may leave the grass long to help take out soil moisture. However long grass may interfere with airflow and increase disease pressure. Longer grass (and associated weeds) can also increase insect species diversity. We debate the pros and cons and then take action. Or not. These are very small vineyard management decisions that contribute to wine quality and style.
Airflow is also important in the surrounding fields adjacent to the vineyard blocks. Too many trees can shade the vines and block drying breezes. This is why we have open grassy areas around the vines. In the past, these areas have been dutifully and regularly mown. But that has changed. We are now evaluating our carbon footprint resulting from any and all winery and vineyard practices. The amount of diesel burned for unnecessary mowing caught our attention. So we stopped. We will still need to mow once a year so that these fields don’t naturally return back to woods, but one mowing is more environmentally responsible than multiple passes.
Any small decision that helps reduce our carbon footprint is a step in the right direction.
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Linden Vineyards / Learn More / Latest at Linden | Journal/Field Notes: July 12, 2023