What’s Happening in the Vineyard?

Wildflowers, Cover Crops, and the Promise of a New Vintage

Blog contributed by Judith and Harley Tigner, Two Tales Vineyards, Pontotoc, TX

If you visit the vineyard in June, you might be surprised by what catches your eye first.

Not the grapevines.

The wildflowers.

This spring has felt a little delayed. Cool temperatures and frequent rains pushed the season back by a few weeks, and much of the vineyard is developing later than usual. The extra moisture, however, has transformed the landscape. Rows that are often bare this time of year are filled with colorful wildflowers and thriving cover crops.

Because we don’t use herbicides in the vineyard, the diversity of plants between the rows is especially noticeable this season. Hairy vetch, mustard, and turnips have flourished thanks to the spring rains, creating a vibrant patchwork of color and texture throughout the vineyard.

These cover crops do more than look beautiful. They help prevent erosion, improve soil structure, attract beneficial insects, and contribute organic matter back into the soil. Healthy soils support healthy vines, making cover crops an important part of our long-term vineyard management.

This time of year, much of our focus is on maintaining balance in the vineyard.

One important task is under-vine cleanup. Throughout the growing season, suckers emerge from the trunk and lower portions of the vine, competing for energy that could be directed toward canopy growth and fruit development. Removing them helps the vine focus its resources where they matter most.

The sheep that spent the winter grazing in the vineyard have now moved back to pasture. Their work helping manage vegetation between the rows is finished for the season. That said, two young lambs occasionally find their way through the fence and back into the vineyard—at least until they spot us coming and quickly retreat.

We’re also busy preparing for the warmer months ahead by testing and repairing the irrigation system. Every emitter, valve, and line needs to be checked to ensure readiness.

Meanwhile, the vines continue their work. Tiny grape berries are growing where blossoms once stood, and the vineyard is steadily building toward harvest.

There is still plenty of growing season ahead and much that remains outside our control. But as we walk the rows this June, we’re grateful for the rain, the wildflowers, the thriving cover crops, and the promise of another Texas vintage taking shape.

The work continues, one row at a time.