Congac France

2026.03.04

Winter Pruning”Writes the First Chapter of Growth | Origins

What are the Cognac vineyards like in winter?

In January, the Cognac region is immersed in winter’s magic.

Across Charente, the vineyards lie beneath a blanket of pure, soft snow. Yet beneath this stillness, the hands of Cognac craftsmen never pause — one of the most essential tasks of the year is underway: “Winter Pruning”.

During winter, the vines enter their dormant phase. Leaves have fallen away, leaving only the canes that bore fruit in the previous season. But if left unpruned, the vines will gradually lose their balance: canes become tangled structures become heavy, sap circulation slows, and both the yield and quality of next year’s grapes may be affected. This is why pruning is so crucial.

（Before Pruning）

Winter pruning not only removes dead and poorly positioned canes, improving nutrient flow within the vines, reducing disease risks, but also carefully selects the canes that will carry future grapes, reshaping the structure of the vines to ensure healthy, even, high-quality grapes.

（After Pruning）

Once pruning is complete, the vines will stand neat and structured again, ready to welcome the challenges of the new season ahead!

STONES AND COGNAC

Silent witness of centuries filled with tales, the Charentes stone illuminates the front of the buildings.