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Story: Marlborough region

Yearly cycle

Grapesharvested Pruning Buds swell and new shoots appear Fruit ripening AUTUMN WINTER SPRING SUMMER  

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The grape-growing and winemaking year starts in late autumn after the harvest, when leaves begin falling from the vines. In winter (June–August) the bare vines are pruned, with most of the previous year’s growth being cut away. In spring (September–November) the buds take off, with grapes appearing then ripening through the summer (December–February) to be ready for the harvest in autumn (March–May).

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How to cite this page

Malcolm McKinnon, Marlborough region – The grape revolution, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/interactive/31781/yearly-cycle (accessed 14 June 2026).

Story by Malcolm McKinnon, published 9 May 2011, updated 1 November 2016.