Our Winter Ritual

Vineyard notes from Senior Winemaker Nate Weis 

The energy and singular focus of the 2025 vintage is fresh in our minds as the wines make their journey through malolactic fermentation. It’s starting to fade into the memory banks as we focus on preparing for what’s to come in the 2026 growing season.  

Much attention is paid to the growth and development of vines during the spring and summer, but in the winter, we turn our attention to the growth and emergence of cover crops, often planted or cultivated in the late summer and early fall. These cover crop mixes are adjusted based on observations made during the prior growing season as well as past seasons. They’re tailored to what each vineyard or block needs in addition to serving their primary purpose: making our soils resilient and stable for the rainy season. 

Dormancy is a great time to evaluate the growth and vigor of the prior season as the leaves resign from their duties and fall to the ground, revealing the canes that supported them and allowing for careful examination. We use these evaluations to prepare for the first major operation of 2026, pruning, where the stage is set for the vine’s architecture and ultimate growth pattern. It’s an oft-overlooked time, but pruning lays the groundwork each year, making it one of our most important activities.  

Let’s take a closer look at the key parts of the winter ritual Nate outlined. 

Cover Crops

The choice of cover crops varies from site to site. In places where we’re not tilling, it’s either native cover or was planted long ago and is perennial, with occasional refreshing or re-seeding. The choice not to till allows cover crops to compete with vines during the spring and summer, helping control vine vigor during the season. It’s also a matter of sustainability, as permanent, non-tilled cover crops take CO2 out of the atmosphere and lock it into the soil as organic matter in the form of biomass. Permanent cover also allows for more robust ecology and microbiology in the undisturbed soil. Where we do till and plant, cover crops are chosen based on what the vineyard tells us needs. In most cases, this is some mix of grains, vetch, nitrogen-fixing legumes, and clover. 

Dormancy

This is the time between when the leaves fall and when roots start to “flush” or grow again. This root flush precedes budbreak and happens when the soil temperature starts to rise. In other words, below ground, growth begins well before we see any above-ground growth. The plant is not up to much during dormancy, since there are no leaves and thus no photosynthetic activity. With the roots dormant as well, the vine is relying on its carbohydrate reserves for whatever it is doing, like lignifying bark. Grapevines do not have to go dormant, and in some parts of the world, they don’t. They don’t require chilling time for fruitfulness, like some other perennial crops including cherries, but it is definitely important that they rest. The same way we don’t know, biologically, why humans have to sleep, but we do know that not sleeping can be very harmful and inhibit development. “Sleep” is an important recharge for the vineyard, too. 

Pruning

Where do we start? This is such a complex and rich topic. Pruning sets crop levels. It dictates vine architecture now and in the future. It’s also the time during which, if we’re not careful, we can spread viruses or create opportunities for fungal diseases to enter the plant. Pruning gets taken for granted, but executed thoughtfully and well, it can mean the difference between a long-lived, healthy vineyard that produces high-quality grapes and one that struggles. More on this some other time.  

FAQ

What happens in BV's vineyards during winter?

During winter, Beaulieu Vineyard’s Napa Valley vineyards enter dormancy, allowing vines to rest after harvest while wines complete malolactic fermentation in the cellar. This season is dedicated to soil health, vine evaluation, and preparing for the next growing cycle.

Why does Beaulieu Vineyard plant cover crops in winter?

Beaulieu Vineyard uses cover crops to protect vineyard soils during the rainy season, improve soil structure, and support long-term sustainability. Cover crops also help regulate vine vigor and enhance soil resilience across BV’s estate vineyards.

What types of cover crops are used at BV?

Cover crop selections at Beaulieu Vineyard vary by vineyard site and block and may include grains, clover, vetch, and nitrogen-fixing legumes. In some vineyards, permanent, non-tilled native cover crops are maintained to promote soil health and biodiversity.

How do cover crops support sustainability at BV?

Permanent cover crops help sequester carbon, increase organic matter in the soil, and foster healthy microbiology. By minimizing tillage, Beaulieu Vineyard supports sustainable winegrowing practices that benefit both the vineyard and the environment.

What is dormancy and why is it important for grapevines?

Dormancy is the period after leaves fall and before new root growth begins. At Beaulieu Vineyard, dormancy allows vines to conserve energy, recharge carbohydrate reserves, and prepare for healthy growth in the following season.

When does root growth begin in BV's vineyards?

Root growth at Beaulieu Vineyard often begins before budbreak, once soil temperatures start to rise. This below-ground activity signals the transition from dormancy toward the next growing season.

Why is pruning so critical to BV's vineyards?

Pruning at Beaulieu Vineyard sets vine architecture, crop levels, and long-term vineyard health. Thoughtful pruning helps prevent disease, supports balanced growth, and contributes to the consistent quality of BV’s Napa Valley wines.

How do winter vineyard practices influence BV's wines?

Winter decisions — including cover cropping, dormancy management, and pruning — shape vine balance and fruit quality. These practices are foundational to the structure, elegance, and longevity of Beaulieu Vineyard wines.