How to prune chardonnay grape

Midwinter (December–February) while fully dormant. For double Guyot: retain two strong canes from last season's growth, tie horizontally to the bottom wire (each 8–10 buds), and cut everything else except two replacement spurs (2 buds each) near the head. For spur systems: shorten each spur to 2–3 buds. Remove all other growth.

Annually. Chardonnay vines require firm annual pruning to channel energy into quality fruit rather than excessive leafy growth. Most home growers use Guyot or spur systems. Without pruning, vines produce a dense tangle of unproductive shoots. Winter is the only safe window — pruning in spring causes heavy sap bleed ('bleeding').

For double Guyot: retain two strong canes from last season's growth, tie horizontally to the bottom wire (each 8–10 buds), and cut everything else except two replacement spurs (2 buds each) near the head. For spur systems: shorten each spur to 2–3 buds. Remove all other growth.