The end of May brought a real heatwave to Alsace. To adapt to these high temperatures, our daily routine has changed. At Domaine Schaeffer-Woerly, the alarm clock now rings much earlier! We start our work in the vines right at sunrise. Enjoying the cool morning air is a real joy to get ahead with our tasks.
The Magic of Flowering in the Vines
With these very summery temperatures, nature has sped up. The long-awaited flowering time is here! This stage is crucial for the future harvest. Tiny white flowers appear on the vines, releasing a delicate, sweet scent throughout the Dambach-la-Ville vineyard. It is a beautiful period, but it also demands our full attention.
Organic Farming: The Vital Importance of Hoeing
At the estate, we are proud of our commitment to organic farming. This means using methods that respect living ecosystems. Right now, our main task on the ground is hoeing (tilling). This step is essential to clear the vines from fast-growing grass.
Why do we hoe the soil? Tilling breaks the earth’s crust. This helps the soil breathe better. Above all, when those famous summer storms hit, the rain can soak in deeply instead of running off. The water directly reaches the roots of our vines. This is vital after the late May heatwaves.
Desuckering and Cleaning: Vine Health First
Alongside soil work, we take care of the plant itself. We are currently doing manual desuckering (shoot thinning). It is meticulous work where we clean the “willow heads,” meaning the top of our vines.
We remove the so-called “suckers” by hand. These are useless, non-fruit-bearing shoots. Why this cleaning? It is an essential preventive measure in our organic approach. By removing this extra vegetation, air flows much better. The canopy is aerated, which prevents moisture buildup and naturally stops diseases from appearing. Plus, all the sap now goes straight to the future grape bunches!
Come and Taste the Fruits of Our Labor!
Vineyard work is demanding, but the reward is right there in your glass. The best way to understand our passion and our organic philosophy is to come and visit us!
We will be thrilled to welcome you to the tasting room. Come share a friendly moment and stock up on your favorite summer wines. Can’t make the trip? Find our entire range and order directly on our website: www.schaeffer-woerly.fr.
