Leaf Pulling

We noticed that fruit on the vines is starting to set, so realized it's time to pull leaves from around the clusters. So, we had our first annual leaf-pulling party. Friends not afraid of a bit of farmwork with sturdy boots head out and pulled all the lateral shoots under the fruit zone, AND the leaves around the clusters such that they'll be able to grow trouble-free and with 'dappled sunlight'.

Here's a video from Wine Spectator that provides an example of leaf pulling - this is WAY more aggressive than what we did, given the latest research and our location, but provides a cute overview.

It ended up being very hot out, so we pulled late (7-8p), and enjoyed snacks before and dinner afterwards. All with local wine we selected the weeks before at the Santa Cruz Mountains Vintner's Festival.