Our vines are pruned every year when the local high school is off for their spring break. This is usually the week before Easter or occasionally the week after.
I prune at this time because I have another job (a local utility) that seems to want me the rest of the year. Usually we get most of the 8 acres pruned and tied in this week - with a little follow up the next few weekends.
This year we had a crew of almost 30 people. This is the largest crew we have ever had. They did not always show up at the same time - we probably averaged 12 to 18 most days. Last year it took over 1000 hours of work to prune this vineyard. We are still not completed at the time this is written.
A little reminiscing: We started planting this vineyard in 1983 and have done a lot of pruning and planting over the years.
Our pruning crews were originally about 6 or so youths usually from the local church that we attend. Around March I would quite often look around at the congregation attending church on Sunday for likely looking pruners. I like to have kids at least 13 yrs old.
A LOT OF WORK GETS DONE DURING THIS WEEK!
Over the years our pruning crew has grown (along with the vineyard) and now I usually send out a letter to previous year workers a few weeks before we start. Many kids hear about us from other kids. Often (like this year), I do not have room for everyone who wants to work.
For many kids it is the first job they have ever had and they have to get used to the idea of working all day.
We have seen many youths grow up after working here a few years and then have kids of their own. Eventually we may have some 2nd generations families here.
