Spreading Winter Joy

As the new year begins, Garnet Valley enters a quiet season. The vineyards are at rest, and winter marks a time of preparation rather than pause. This is when balance is restored and the groundwork for the coming year is set.

Our focus turns to thoughtful, intentional work. Matt and the Vineyard team are continuing the process of resetting vine trunks after the deep freeze of January 2024. The focus is on carefully restoring each vine’s structure; internally, new wood grown in the 2024 season is free of the stresses caused by the freeze. Externally, the vines are being slowly shaped back into compatibility with our canopy’s architecture.
In the best of years, pruning a vine to its best capacity is a puzzle. This year has added a fascinating extra wrinkle that keeps the mind as active as the body.

In the cellar, Alison and Tere are preparing bottling plans to move forward, while keeping the 2025 vintage of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to rest in French oak and develop at its own pace. This stage requires patience and trust, allowing the wines to evolve naturally and reflect their site and season.

Winter is a reminder that great wines begin well before budbreak. They start in the soil and with respect for the land. As we look ahead, we remain grounded in that truth and grateful to continue this journey from Garnet Valley to your glass.

With appreciation,
The Solvero Team