Pruning guide
How to prune cabernet sauvignon grape
More cabernet sauvignon grape care
Pruning cabernet sauvignon grape — FAQ
When should I prune cabernet sauvignon grape?
Midwinter (December–February), fully dormant. On a spur-pruned cordon, shorten each lateral to 2 buds from the cordon arm each winter, spacing spurs 10–15 cm apart. Remove any unneeded laterals entirely. In summer, trim shoot tips once they extend beyond the top wire and remove any non-fruiting water shoots from the trunk.
How often does cabernet sauvignon grape need pruning?
Annually (winter); light summer shoot management. Cabernet Sauvignon requires the same disciplined annual dormant pruning as other Vitis vinifera cultivars. It is traditionally spur-pruned (Cordon or VSP system) because it has short internodes and buds productively close to the base of each shoot. Removing 80–90% of last year's wood is normal and essential for quality.
How do you prune cabernet sauvignon grape?
On a spur-pruned cordon, shorten each lateral to 2 buds from the cordon arm each winter, spacing spurs 10–15 cm apart. Remove any unneeded laterals entirely. In summer, trim shoot tips once they extend beyond the top wire and remove any non-fruiting water shoots from the trunk.